2002 - Part One - January to June
- Date: Sat Jun 29 08:34
james s (hot off the griddle):
- Yo, Mitch, and others, "The Stories of Breece D'j Pancake" is
back in print again in a new paper edition, 2002 copyright now in the name
of Andre Dubus III, with a new afterward by the same. This book dances in
and out of print so if you're into seriously good short stories, get it
while ya can.
- Date: Fri Jun 28 14:21
Alan (Blaine, Rainer and CP):
- Anyone know if the Giant Sand/Chuck Prophet collaboration at SXSW was
recorded? Blaine, have you been able to make any of Chuck's Chicago shows
over the last two years? I really enjoyed the CP/Peter Case installment. I
think I saw that last Green on Red "reunion" show in SF in 93
(96?) and loved it... Chuck warmed up playing old Aerosmith tunes... and Dan
Stuart wasn't too out of it.
- Date: Fri Jun 28 08:11
james s (in a hall of mirrors, you get sick of yourself...):
- Yes, sad about John Entwhistle. Maybe he's jamming with Keith again, and
Dee Dee is jamming with Joey. Oh well. Wednesday the third, Lucinda Williams
and Chuck Prophet doing a free outdoor show in Nashvegas. Fly or drive or
sail on in here, all of ya, and join the fun. Watched the Woodstock dvd last
night. "Ain't no cure for the summertime blues."
- Date: Fri Jun 28 07:50
trey (oz):
- Saw Dread Zeppelin at a smallish club in 1990. We had no idea what we were
getting into. My wife (gal pal at the time) and I spewed beer out our noses
non-stop for the entire evening. This might be the hardest I've ever laughed
in my life. The nose/ribs hurt(s) just thinking about it.
- Date: Fri Jun 28 07:33
Blaine (@work):
- Nellie (Crepuscule)Monk RIP as well. **RE: the Elvi -- anybody ever hear
of a guy called The Unknown Hinson(?), friends say he's the real-out-there
deal. ** There is a band that plays here on the streetcorner everyday at
noon to the suited passers-by, called Re-Coil -- they do Coil covers in the
Sun-era Elvis style. **Anyone else hear Mr. Prophet as turning into one of
the heavyweight contenders? He just keeps getting better. Saw him play
Rainer-steel w/GS in Austin some years gone by.
- Date: Fri Jun 28 03:09
Shaun H. (right name, wrong pun):
- curiousity got the better of me this morning. that LP by the King was
actually called 'Gravelands', and if you ever wondered what Elvis woulda
made of 'Love Will Tear Us apart', 'Song To The Siren', 'Blockbuster' (the
Sweet), 'All Or Nothing' (Small Faces), 'Twentieth Century Boy' (Marc Bolan),
'Whole Lotta Rosie', 'Voodoo Chile', 'No Woman, No Cry' AND 'Sweet Home
Alabama' then i guess this might just be the album for you.
- Date: Fri Jun 28 02:42
JC BROCHARD (jc.brochard@wanadoo.fr):
- HOWE NEW TRACK ALERT : Hot on the heels of the track on The Comes with a
smile CD (http://cwas.hinah.com) comes a new, previously unreleased Howe
track, probably recorded around the same time in Tucson. It's called
"America The beautiful - You can't put your arms around a memory",
and it's availble on the CD that comes with the 15th anniversary issue of
the french Abus Dangereux fanzine (a fanzine which has previously released
rare tracks by Giant Sand and Calexico among many others...). Like the CWAS
track, there is more piano than guitar on this version, and although the
track is credited to Howe Gelb, the line-up is quite Sandish since John
Convertino and Joey Burns are both credited as additional musicians! Abus
Dangereux has a web site (http://www.viciouscircle.fr), but it's only in
French, and they don't accept credit cards... JC (http://perso.wanadoo.fr/vivonzeureux)
- Date: Fri Jun 28 02:18
Sean T (Sad):
- R.I.P The Ox .
- Date: Thu Jun 27 23:22
bradley gelb (kbl36@aol.com):
- hey now cuz howe, long time, you might not even remember me. but i was a
year older than ricky. my mom and dad are sandor and barbara, from w-b.
anyway, glad to hear and see your doing well!! i really dug the intro to the
dylan article, in the mag , uncut. listen, im in the panhandle of fla. in a
town called destin. kinda nice. ill be leaving for cali at the beginning of
august, and wondring what your shedule was like around then.ill be driving
on 10. how is ricky , sharon, and your pops doing? well i hope. the same for
your family! just wanted to get in touch with you. say hey, and see whats
shakin with the fam. i can be reached at kbl36@aol.com or bradleygelb@aol.com
if you get a chance gimmi a hollar! hanna or no? peas cuz, hope to hear from
you. bradley
- Date: Thu Jun 27 20:28
Alan (fer Jame s, plus hard on things?):
- I remember El Vez being huge in an underground west coast college radio
kind of way in the early 90s... oh yeah, and how come Chuck Prophet got beat
up so much for writing a song that indicated a dissatisfaction with a woman
who couldn't tell the difference between the King and Sir Vez? Reviewers?
Sense of humor? Distance from themselves...? yeesh. I've been listening to
Pontiac alot recently, Howe just kinda makes me happy.
- Date: Thu Jun 27 18:53
tom (gonna buy me a gun as big as my arm):
- the great tony bennett.. looking forward at seeing Howe again around here,
at the Dour Festival. Funny thing : next band to take that stage (of all
stages at the festival) is : Coil. Any comments on that band, anyone ?
- Date: Thu Jun 27 18:24
Mitch (off in Santa Fe, where it rains):
- Ah, just heard about John Entwhistle. Very sad...but, in keeping with the
Elvis thread, seems somewhat appropriate that he went in Las Vegas. A real
bummer this.
- Date: Thu Jun 27 16:08
mike ([sa-wa-ro]):
- ....and to take it further, bruce halper, drummer with luminarios/sand
rubies/woodcocks/and various other tucson bands, plays bar mitzvahs,
weddings and restaurants billed as 'the phoney bennett'.... doing tony
bennett covers!!
- Date: Thu Jun 27 16:01
Shaun H. (come on, come on, come on, come on and deliver the
shiver (thank you very much) ):
- and feel compelled to mention a fella from Ireland who called himself the
King, and released an album called 'Disgraceland', which was basically songs
by dead people covered EXACTLY in the style of Elvis (Nirvana's "Come
As You Are" + i think there were Thin Lizzy & Joy Division covers,
can't recall who else). can't remember if he did "Freebird".
- Date: Thu Jun 27 14:42
jame s (it's newer than analysis and deceptively simple):
- Ah, yes, El Vez. I saw him play in mexican restaurant/night club in
knoxville years ago when he was supporting his Gracias Land cd. That was a
blast. May he be blessed forever.
- Date: Thu Jun 27 13:58
Mitch (quando quando):
- Ah, yes, Dread Zep--a wonder to behold. As is El Vez.
- Date: Thu Jun 27 12:36
Alan (e-f-h):
- FYI, on a related but very different note. In the 1980s there was an
ultimate frisbee team from Houston, TX, by the name of Elvis From Hell and
they had, by far, the coolest shirts in the sport (with the possible
exception of the Boston team, Mr. Bubble). In California, a few years later,
I played with a guy from that team who we took to calling Brian From Hell
(for a number of reasons, not all related to his history in Houston). Anyone
else enjoy Dread Zepplin (well, at least for a song or two)?
- Date: Thu Jun 27 12:17
chuck (()()):
- thanks for the info ro. Italian holiday now one step nearer.
- Date: Thu Jun 27 11:27
fresca (delite):
- on things elvis, everyone in l.a. should go to palms thai resturant on
hollywood east of western to eat good food and see kevin, the thai elvis.
he's boss.
- Date: Wed Jun 26 09:44
james s (sorry to beat a dead un-giant-sand-related horse, but...):
- I had to share this. ELVIS ELVIS! I just received, here at work, an email
informing me that "there will be an Elvis impersonator in the cafeteria
today from 12:00 till 1:30." This is getting out of hand. Thanks for
the Howe in Denmark post w/links.
- Date: Wed Jun 26 09:06
Lars Kjær Dideriksen (lsd_dk@hotmail.com):
- Hello! For those of you who are curious about the small Howe-shows in
Denmark, I have a few pictures on my website on this page: http://www.angelfire.com/indie/lars-kd/privat-site/fotos.html
Unfortunately there was not much light in the café, so the pictures are a
bit "artistic" (dark). But I think some of them are pretty cool
nevertheless. But it really wasn't as dark in the place as it looks. The
pictures from the second show were done with flash. And they will be
uploaded on my site in a little while (I'll let you know). Bandmembers from
the Danish band Under Byen performed with Howe on three songs at the second
gig (of four). Check out their website at www.underbyen.dk or have a taste
of their own songs at: http://www.cdskiven.dk/default.asp?view=album&albumid=60813
and http://www.cdskiven.dk/default.asp?view=album&albumid=49650 It seems
that Howe has found some new interestering people to play with. And in my
personal opinion they are excellent. You can have a taste of some of the
songs from the second show at this adress (they are audience recordings):
http://www.groupcare.dk/da/invitation.asp?i=1353094&c=35280004 It's a 20
mb online store space I have and the title on it is "Radiohead",
but don't mind that. :-) The apply-test is in Danish, but very simple, so
you should be able to make your way through: TILMELD (JOIN) NY BRUGER (NEW
USER) Then fill in the form with your e-mail, the password of your choice
and your name. Then let the first three "wings" be as they are and
remove the next three. Then go to "Filer" (files) and....download.
Bingo! Two of the songs are with Under Byen and the third features Tim
Dryden of Grandaddy. Enjoy, Howe-fans! Greets, Lars
- Date: Wed Jun 26 08:36
Lynyrd Skynyrd Man (sweet home alabama):
- Shaun, how dare you, you are so cruel. By the way I am sure you London
dwelling folks know about this old (water) Chestnut already but for the rest
of you there is a Chinese Elvis who 'serenades' you as you eat at his
Chinese restaurant in South London.
- Date: Wed Jun 26 08:21
Blaine (@work):
- Gun Club reference is a good way to start the day, James. A friend burned
me a distilled version of the Drive By Truckers opera. Some real cool stuff,
artistic without really trying to be - if that makes sense. And it rocks.
Greg, I just finished the Neil bio, Shakey, for a book review. It really
draws a panoramic portrait of the guy from person to artist and many points
between. Really makes me want to track down a lot more bootlegs than my
wallet can justify. And unlike many bios (Bockris' Transformer on Lou Reed
comes to mind), the subject doesn't turn out to be a creep. Maybe just a
real complicated guy who got way inside rock and roll to make sense of life.
- Date: Wed Jun 26 06:38
james s (i was all dressed up like an Elvis from hell):
- Tom, yes, Silver Jews. I keep meaning to pick up Dave Berman's book,
Actual Air, but haven't yet. Shaun H, I like the thought of LYNYRD SKYNYRD
man walking about on English soil (or pavement). Maybe he's a Drive-By
Truckers fan. I haven't heard the Truckers southern rock opera record yet,
but I've seen them live and they were a blast (and they rocked). They have a
song about the true relationship between Neil and Skynyrd. Ha. They have
also included in their tour merch Drive-By Truckers halter tops and panties.
Oh brother.
- Date: Wed Jun 26 04:03
the same ro (4 the same chuck):
- further infos (urbino festival): http://www.amat.marche.it/frequenzedisturbate/framedx.htm
- Date: Wed Jun 26 03:47
arif shakeri (arif116@hotmail.com):
- deer mr. IF YOU HAVE HEIDELBERG PRINTING MACHINE SPEED MASTER 74 PLESS
SENDME THE LIST YOU HAVE THANKYOU.
- Date: Wed Jun 26 03:44
ro (4 chuck):
- Urbino is about 2hours from bologna. the concerts of the festival are
usually free and you have the chance to live in your tent if you like to
enjoy the camping. I've seen there einstuerzende neubauten and it was great,
stereolab too. giant sand i think it will be outstanding. see u there
- Date: Tue Jun 25 18:48
tom (well i rode down on a broken horse, and the water looked like
tarnished gold):
- long time since i read the words 'silver jews' around here. read them now,
which is good james s.
- Date: Tue Jun 25 18:13
J (usual -.-hello sean H):
- Your post brought to mind a time when I had just seen Green on Red at the
Mean Fiddler (Harlesden) London, England. Driving, so not at all drunk, my
compatriots and I went for food at a nearby meatburger palace. "here
come da fockin droogeez" said an Irishman with eyes pointing to jupiter/mars,
and sick down his pinstripe suit (held up w/string) Ah England. I'm buying a
Brasilia/Turkiye shirt.
- Date: Tue Jun 25 16:30
Shaun H. (grab your coat and let's start walkin...):
- ...did you Americans know Elvis is currently #1 in the U.K., and kept
Oasis off the top spot, HA! anyways, Mitch and James' comments kinda tied in
w/ a conversation i was having tonight about an area in N.W. London where i
used to work called Willesden, plenty of crazies walk the steets there,
though nothin' sinister, like man who falls in doorways, and Michael Jackson
lookalike, but my favourite was always Lynyrd Sknyrd man, who would appear
once or twice every month, always in a hurry, wandering up towards the
underground/subway station dressed all in white denim, w/ a large Lynyrd
Sknyrd patch on the back of his jacket, and a confederate flag draped round
his arse. just up the road from Willesden is Wembley (home until recently of
our national 'soccer' stadium, and also if say Aerosmith, or indeed Michael
Jackson, were in town the kinda place they would be playing too, Tyler to
Perry, crosses it for Jackson, heads the ball, oh dear......), and my theory
was that this guy was constantly living in 1974, or whenever, and every so
often would wake up w/ his tickets at his bedside for the big show that day,
and make his way to the venue, but NO. Kinda sad. p.s. if there's any
mention of this in Zadie Smith's 'White Teeth' i honestly didn't know, as
it's been sat on my book shelf unread for 2 years+ now.
- Date: Tue Jun 25 15:16
james s (the great emancipator isn't dead):
- Did she have the hat and everything? I don't think the female Elvis is a
transient; she looked like an office worker. I've only seen her once,
singing along with a portable tape player, "I'm caught in a trap.... I
can't look back... because I love you too much baby..." I saw a male
Elvis down there yesterday and he really looked like elvis in the later
Vegas days....
- Date: Tue Jun 25 14:22
Mitch (in an island):
- James S, I'd say an female Elvis would be reason enough to remain in Big
N. When I was living in Houston there was a transient black woman who was
convinced that she was Abraham Lincoln--so convinced, in fact, she had me
convinced, nay certain!
- Date: Tue Jun 25 13:11
Chuck (()()()):
- Anyone know any details about the Urbino festival Howe mentioned - may
holiday in Italy and it would be nice to catch GS whilst there
- Date: Mon Jun 24 17:44
Greg Haldane (gmhaldane@hotmail.com):
- Started reading "Shakey," the biography of Neil Young and Giant
Sand gets a mention, albeit in a footnote along with several other bands
that were influenced by Dr. Young. I would still consider that an honor!
- Date: Mon Jun 24 17:07
james s (n-ville):
- Yes, Erik, I'm here in "music city." I've been thinking for a
couple of years that I HAD to get away from this town, but suddenly I feel
better about the place. Still, I'm ambivalent. There is a lot of music and
some of it is good. I don't have much experience in other cities, so I'm
unable to make worthwhile comparisons. There's too much traffic. It has it's
charm, I guess. The downtown area has become a tourest attraction, but even
that, with it's smelly honky tonks and street musicians (including a female
Elvis and a flame juggler) has it's circus appeal. I came from a smaller
town. I've heard nothing but complaints from most of the people I know who
have come from places like Boston and Chicago (esp abt the restaurants).
There's a good museum and some decent galleries. There's a lot of guitar
players, and while this is a center for the music BUSINESS, there's some
interesting stuff going own on the other side of the alley, so to speak. My
biggest complaint is that the city is too far away from any place that giant
sand plays. We do have Gillian Welch, Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, EmmyLou
Harris, Lambchop, Silver Jews, etc... and even Cheetah Chrome (remember the
Dead Boys?), so that kind of helps.
- Date: Mon Jun 24 14:48
matt (mel@stylethrashing.co.uk):
- errr...... i don't suppose anyone knows of a site carrying sandy geetar
tabs do they (google is most unhelpful to me on this subject) or failing
that if anyone (howe!!!???) could just tell me the chord progression for 'yer
ropes' i would be most grateful!!! ((((shhhhhh! i am only a learner at this
guitar playing malarky....)))))))
- Date: Mon Jun 24 10:46
Erik (harvieux@hotmail.com):
- James are you currently residing there in N-ville? I may be gravitating
that way soon .Hows it down there ?
- Date: Mon Jun 24 06:07
STUART (dreaming of impossible holidays):
- The kindly people at the Guardian newspaper have thoughtfully put together
a guide for anyone thinking of visiting Arhus and unsure of what to do
inbetween Howe's sets - they say: "it's young, hip and stays up all
night in summer" - http://www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4445966,00.html
- Date: Mon Jun 24 04:23
july (uyuyo):
- HOWE maybe France one day?
- Date: Sun Jun 23 08:16
james s (getting old I guess):
- Uh, that wasn't the Flaming Groovies; it was the Flaming Lips.
- Date: Sat Jun 22 08:33
james s (feeling guilty):
- I shouldn't be so harsh with the pluckers here in N-Town. Heck, at least
they're doing SOMETHING, getting out and playing, even if a lot of the music
doesn't interest me. I barely even pick up my guitar anymore.
- Date: Sat Jun 22 08:23
james s (her eyes were blank.... man I thought they were
loaded...):
- Yes, Steve Earle draws all kinds and his comments to the loudest drunks
are always entertaining. He didn't say much of anything the other night.
During the first half of the show, the only between-song banter during the
first half of LONG set was his counting off a song "one two f*ck
you", and then after playing "Copperhead Road" he said,
"now that we got that over with..." He did a lot from "I Feel
Alright", thankfully. Yes, Nashville is full of live music. You can't
even hardly go to a laundrymat without there being a live band. Most of it
is, in my not-so-humble opinion, horribly uninspired and derivative, but
there's some great stuff too. The free concert series (it's out in a parking
lot) is nearly always good. Last year they had, on different nights, Flaming
Groovies, Cracker, Patti Smith... I've already mentioned some of this years
line up. I envy you the Los Lobos show, Blaine. I've never seen them.
- Date: Fri Jun 21 22:15
ohno (01.29.02):
- soooooooo gone
- Date: Fri Jun 21 21:03
Todd (580 ):
- Hey-ya FYI...On the new Asie Payton cd called 'just do me right'...there
is eh track included called 'i got a friend'...Howe Gelb is playing organ,
J. Convertino is drumming...Leo Schwamm guitarin'?...who dat...
- Date: Fri Jun 21 14:18
Blaine (@work):
- As long as nowhere doesn't become now here. That fire is doing incredible
damage. **Saw StEarle a few years back in Madison and a woman (same
one?)would literally scream after each song. Finally ol StEarle looks at a
her and says, "You are the loudest girl I ever heard." She
stopped. **Next Thurs our 10 day summerfest (called, uhhmm... Summerfest)
opens. Tons of stages with acts ranging from Los Lobos, Ray Charles, JJ Cale,
Lucinda Wms, Femi Kuti and plenty of others. I feel guilty typing this b/c
this year is not as overflwoing w/talent as past years. Anybody with an ache
to visit MKE, now would be a good time to check it out.
- Date: Fri Jun 21 13:44
Scavenger Records (KH_Horsten@dadlnet.dk):
- To all the people in the Arhus Denmark surroundings phone Denmark 86
122773 for surprises with HOWE. We have 2 show dates with surprises For more
details phone Scavenger Records Borggade 3 8000 Aarhus C Denmark 0045 86
122773 or write to : E-mail:KH_horsten@dadlnet.dk
- Date: Fri Jun 21 12:47
Mitch (85719):
- Nix that "haven't" after fires, James. Where the hell is my
editor??? Michelle, get in here, please!!!
- Date: Fri Jun 21 12:45
Mitch (85719):
- Hey, James, what's up with that? Man, you are in concert central...envy!
envy! uh, envy? Saw Steve Earle by chance, literally, a couple of years ago
in Austin, and it was a great show, except for the lady standing in front of
me who kept shouting, "Yeah, now that's how you do it!"
"Yeah, now that rocked!" "Yeah, nothing shabby about you,
STEVE!" Anyway, the fires haven't are a little further north than
Tucson. Seems it fire season with the drought and all--seems we just managed
to get over the big one on the Catalinas and then a match was struck
elsewhere. Crackle.
- Date: Fri Jun 21 12:18
james s (spell check here too please):
- chuck, nowhere (see previous message)
- Date: Fri Jun 21 10:14
james s (longitude W86.8, latitude N36.2):
- just dropping in to say how(e)dy. saw steve earle & the dukes give a
free show last night. excited about upcoming free shows: wilco one night,
lucinda williams and chuch prophet on the same bill on another night, ahhh.
if only giant sand would come to this place on the globe... hope all is well
with each of ye. hope those AZ wildfires are no where near you, mitch.
later...
- Date: Thu Jun 20 20:55
basia (basia5000@hotmail.com):
- Bonjour Monsieur Gelb, April 2002 Giant Sand played Lee's Palace. Too
short but a pleasure all the same. In the inbetweens you played some old
country song. A guy singin about his two girlfriends, a tall one and a short
one. Would you be so kind as to tell me the title and artist of that song. I
could of just asked you then and there but I had another one of those boring
shyness attacks. Merci Beaucoup, Basia
- Date: Thu Jun 20 13:39
howe (under a spell checker):
- armful of leaking baby (both ends) has a way of allowing spelling
haphazardry.
- Date: Thu Jun 20 06:22
mike ([sa-wa-ro]):
- for some totally unknown reason, i forgot to mention that howe has a track
on the cd that comes with issue #10 of 'comes with a smile'. the track is a
version of johnny cashs' 'what on earth will you do (for heavens sake)' from
the 'ragged old flag' album - http://cwas.hinah.com/currentissue/ for more
info ...... sorry matt!!
- Date: Thu Jun 20 05:42
howe (dansk a lot):
- hi keith....what did you here about san diego ?...i have heard nothing.
here is a rough assumption of the futer: solo showings JULY - 13 (dour
festival, belgium) 16 (festival in napoli, italy) 18 (tom waits festival
without tom waits in palma, mallorca, spain) 19 (barcelona, spain) 21 (guilifest,
outside of london, england) ....early AUGUST - (vega club, copenhagen,
danmark).... GIANT SAND august 2 (urbino festival, italy) ....and every
wednesday until such leavingness at the cafe mozart, århus, danmark...and
almost every night at cafe l'estragon for wine & practice. ok then-howe
- Date: Wed Jun 19 16:28
Keith (keith@genhydro.com):
- Way to go on the little one Howe...just found out.The grapevine puts you
in San Diego soon...let me know.
- Date: Wed Jun 19 05:38
roberta (:-:):
- WHEN&WHERE IN NAPOLI HOWE??????? END OF JULY? LOTSOFLUV
- Date: Wed Jun 19 05:25
Sean T (Guilfest):
- Just discovered that in the early days at Guilfest , they had flowers and
piped music in the toilets ? Also Motorhead and Rolf Harris once shared a
stage .
- Date: Wed Jun 19 05:08
Sean T (Guilfest):
- So it's Howe , Kiki Dee , The Stranglers and Echo & The Bunnymen ? I
see Lonnie Donegan is playing on the Friday along with John Otway ?! Nice
part of the country .
- Date: Wed Jun 19 03:33
The Boy (From Brazil):
- Unfortunately I suspect I might have to buy a Senegal or Turkey shirt for
my ever increasing collection as I predict that England will win against
Brazil.
- Date: Tue Jun 18 15:41
J (Thanks Ian G):
- Thanks for the Green on Reddage, Hope you managed to get an Argentina
shirt b4 they all sold out round your way. I promise not to mention the f
word again until the f thing comes home. P.S The Stranglers - formerly 'The
Guildford Stranglers'
- Date: Tue Jun 18 15:36
J (I'm Amazed):
- How, Howe How? I grew up 12 miles from Guildford where said fest occurs,
surely I couldn't sneak a 3 Piece family guest list place? A friend of mine
runs a top notch rec/reh facility very nearby maybe we could sort something
out?
- Date: Tue Jun 18 14:48
james s (death and night and blood):
- Stranglers have to be getting on up there in years. Jeez, who would've
thought that outfit would have made it 25 years. I dig the Black and White
record. Hey folks, check out Thelonius Monk's "Misterioso" record
for some great odd piano boinking (if you like Howe's odd piano boinking,
you'll dig this too, I think). It was recorded live at the Five Spot.
- Date: Tue Jun 18 11:38
Ian G (Brazil):
- I used my amazing powers of deduction to find out more about the festival
for old people. It is Guilfest, formerley known as the Guildford music
festival. According to the website, www.guilfest.co.uk, Howe will be
appearing on Sunday 21st July and has 3rd place on the bill behind The
Stranglers and Kiki Dee!!!! I didn't notice anything about old people
though.......
- Date: Tue Jun 18 11:28
Ian G (Brazil):
- Just how old do you have to be to attend?
- Date: Tue Jun 18 11:02
howe (sleepless):
- i think the london fest is called guilifeld...or something similiar. its
for old people i believe.
- Date: Tue Jun 18 10:34
Ian G (Please don't mention the world cup):
- I had rather hoped this was one place I could go to avoid hearing about
the World Cup, I was wrong. Oh well never mind, I will be adopting Brazil as
my home nation this Friday, I have already tried being Nigerian, Argintinian
and Danish over the last couple of weeks. I hope Brazil get a result and I
can return to being Scottish once again.
- Date: Tue Jun 18 04:59
Sean T (Festival ?):
- Howe , congratulations , hope everyone's well . What's the festival in
London ? Sean.
- Date: Mon Jun 17 14:11
J (howe@howe.com-do not mail yet):
- Everybody drop what your'e doing and get over to http://www.howe.com. P.S.
Brazil? Come on England.
- Date: Mon Jun 17 11:03
Alan ((bleary from 2:30AM game time)):
- Hi Tommy: USA-Germany, a surprise if ever there was one. It ought to be
noted, however, that Belgium played an equally (and probably even more)
attractive game against Brasil than the US did against Mexico... and lost
2-0. The beauty of that game, however, was the remarkable sportsmanship of
Belgium and Brasil in comparison to some of the "ungentlemanly"
antics in the US-Mexico game. Is an extraordinary and collaborative football
riff all that different than one by musicians? We'll have to see who's
spoink and scronk (a decent characterization of German and US ball, eh?)
comes out ahead on Friday... can either compare to the smooth explosiveness
of Brasil? -Alan PS: Howe, we'll welcome a new one here in the next two
weeks to join you in the growing, family way, and I'm excited and tired
already! The baby was at the Detroit show, in utero, just to get things
started on the right foot...
- Date: Mon Jun 17 06:54
Tommy Gailer (soccer-scroller):
- Ha, USA - Germany will meet in the quarter finals...what a crazy cup!
Sorry Mexico.
- Date: Mon Jun 17 01:02
bård (bard@datadok.no):
- dunno if this has been commented upon already: I recently bought the vinyl
edition of "Cover Magazine", and 3 of the songs listed on the
sleeve were not included ("Blue Marble Girl", "The Inner
Flame" and "The Beat Goes On" (pt. 2). Does this mean that I
have to buy the CD edition as well in order to get these songs? thanks, bård.
- Date: Mon Jun 17 00:58
bård (bard@datadok.no):
- dunno if this has been commented upon already: I recently bought the vinyl
edition of "Cover Magazine", and 3 of the songs listed on the
sleeve were not included ("Blue Marble Girl", "The Inner
Flame" and "The Beat Goes On" (pt. 2). Does this mean that I
have to buy the CD edition as well in order to get these songs? thanks, bård.
- Date: Sat Jun 15 10:01
jpr (thoughts on soccer martians):
- what a shame. they threw it all away-ay. so they should have lot's of time
for sitting in cafes and listen to not-so-sportive music now.
- Date: Sat Jun 15 09:47
tom (0-3):
- i don't think the dansk will come out right now
- Date: Sat Jun 15 03:00
jpr (inner space):
- yeah, come out, denmartians. let the board of sand participate! :-)
- Date: Fri Jun 14 19:38
tom (never knew i wanted to live in Danmark, but now i do):
- U wiil be welcome at the Dour festival, Howe. About a bunch of kilometres
south of Brussels...
- Date: Fri Jun 14 11:29
james s (hashing out plunkets and thistles of hoot? ):
- any of you Denmarkians who can actually witness these cafe hashings on
board here? I'd love to hear about what's going down over there.
- Date: Thu Jun 13 08:55
howe (full house):
- thanks for all the kind congrats. she is a lovely mix ...a cross between
george c scott and genieve bougeou if she were born on the hopi res with one
mandarin parent. i stand transixed and fall deeper in love with every
sleepless night. her name changes every 3 days. ok, back to work then....i
suppose just in case there are any takers out there in shouting distance, i
am playing every wednesday night, begining last night, at the cafe mozart in
århus, denmark. it only holds 50 people at the most, but the piano sounds
great and it will serve nicely as a juicer to squirt out some new froth and
have folks begin to sit in. besides that, on any given momentary flux, i
amble over to the cafe l'estragon to continue a more involuntary reflex of
hashing out plunkets and thistles of hoot. this all will last for the next
30 days, give or take, at which time i begin a slanted solo tour of a
festival south of brussels (belgium), one in napoli (italy), another in
mallorca (spain), and then an old peoples festival back up in london (england).
....other then that heap, a full giant sand conglom in urbinu, italy around
august 2nd. i think. therefore i slouch forward on occasion.
- Date: Wed Jun 12 19:14
Mitch (85719):
- Now that's a bar I'd gladly disappear into.
- Date: Wed Jun 12 18:06
tom (never ever listen to the divilynis, it's bad for your health):
- How about Kinky Friedman meeting Madonna in a bar, with Kim Gordon being
the tired waitress ?
- Date: Wed Jun 12 17:15
Mitch (85719):
- Well, there's got to be a connection between Darwin and Monk somewhere in
the primordial ooze. I can almost sense it lurking there. However, I think
I'll go read some Freud and listen to The Divinyls. Actually, Tom, I like
these kind of pairings. Beckett with Joy Division? Stephen King with Blue
Oyster Cult? Brett Easton Ellis with Barry Manilow?
- Date: Wed Jun 12 17:06
tom (busy reading the origin of species):
- Again, it may be asked, how is it that varieties, which I have called
incipient species, become ultimately converted into good and distinct
species, which in most cases obviously differ from each other far more than
do the varieties of the same species? How do those groups of species, which
constitute what are called distinct genera, and which differ from each other
more than do the species of the same genus, arise? All these results, as we
shall more fully see in the next chapter, follow inevitably from the
struggle for life I guess it must seem pretty unhealthy to read Darwin and
listen to Monk at the same time, but hey, there's some individuals out
here/there who do
- Date: Wed Jun 12 14:58
me (yo tom):
- - and
- Date: Wed Jun 12 14:56
me (to tom):
- come on to and deliver.. the shiver
- Date: Wed Jun 12 14:55
me (to tom):
- it is better off beyond discription..
- Date: Wed Jun 12 08:31
Blaine (@work):
- Congrats Howe & Family -- more inspiration and less time to strum?
Keep us posted on the Summer cafe gigs. ** TurnedOn -- How about you just
dig into the sand and let US know what YOU discover. We all have our
favorites here, and admittedly they often resonate w/personal experience,
not to mention the twin barrels of linear time long-gone and the gauzed-haze
of memory. Yr later-in-the-game luck offers you the Rorschach/CuisineArt
option. The perfect band for said approach **James S -- the extra Patti
Smith cuts are esp cool in that they really show how much them beatniks were
into dub reggae and the resourcefulness they employed with cheap effects and
limited recording gear. Sometimes diff arrangements on tunes that are burned
into my head -- great little detours to the same destination. That demo type
stuff is among my favorites. I have a bunch of boots incl. Hey Joe/Piss
Factory -- contact me off list and I'll get them to you. She is one of the
few whose work has really kept my interest over a lo-----ng span of time**
Sniffer -- if you are just plain bummed out and can get internet radio, dial
up WWOZ from New Orleans. I play it non-stop here at work. It's the cure for
almost anything.
- Date: Wed Jun 12 08:22
Sean T (Arggghh!):
- Brian - buy everything .
- Date: Tue Jun 11 23:53
Mitch (85719):
- Hi Turned On. Glad you are, and glad you found this little cyber-desert to
post your question. I agree with those that voted Chore and Glum (Unsung or
otherwise), as well I'd suggest picking up Slush by OP8 which features the
Giant Sand members with Lisa Germano. Oh, and don't forget the recent Cover
Magazine (that's where you probably heard El Paso from), and Howe Gelb's
Confluence (which has his fellow Sand bandmates on a few songs, and is,
well, wonderful all around). Happy listening, and let us know how it goes.
Also also, do join the Sandman tree (info available on this here website):
you won't want to miss a lot of excellent free music--such as the Pedeless
(Howe's solo tour in Europe) and Juxtapostion (a mish-mash of beautifully
sublime ramble and strum and plonk).
- Date: Tue Jun 11 20:39
turned on (brian.smith@shinkatech.com):
- ok, I just heard my first Giant Sand (something with El Paso) on a local
station here and I'm really hooked. I'm looking for a little advice - what
should a beginner purchase first? thanks!
- Date: Tue Jun 11 18:46
peter (nothere@dot.com):
- unsunglum (yer ropes!!!) chore, and i can't wait to get my hands on long
stem rant and the sandman series. thank you howe (et al.) for all your
sounds and keep the family growing. btw, where can i find johnny cash
singing how high is the water in german? i don't need no oasis, just gimme
more SAND!!
- Date: Tue Jun 11 18:33
james s (Re:):
- Chore of Enchantment, it's the bestest. And Glum. And Backyard BbQ. And
Center of the Universe. Get on the Sandtree and get some free goodies. Chore
of Enchantment though. Amazing record, and usually available.
- Date: Tue Jun 11 18:23
poot (you should get...):
- Unsungglum from the owom store. It's the bestest.
- Date: Tue Jun 11 17:25
turned on (brian.smith@shinkatech.com):
- ok, I just heard my first Giant Sand (something with El Paso) on a local
station here and I'm really hooked. I'm looking for a little advice - what
should a beginner purchase first? thanks!
- Date: Tue Jun 11 17:22
turned on (brian.smith@shinkatech.com):
- ok, I just heard my first Giant Sand (something with El Paso) on a local
station here and I'm really hooked. I'm looking for a little advice - what
should a beginner purchase first? thanks!
- Date: Tue Jun 11 08:06
glue sniffing flower kissing coperate (do ah didy did i dum doh
de):
- this is the voice of the mysterons, we will have revenge on one of yous
and replace them with glue. so this all that jazz old louis would be proud.
i am having problems with this whole life thing at current and seeing as
this page has been used for everything eles but an agony aunt page lets
start the latest- Why am I so inamoured with things of late? I meam life is
good settled down got a room and a fine lady there but still i travell the
country every week picking up the old news on the trains. I sit silent and
motionless as my viechal of travel boosts me through towns and cities but i
dont feel like i ever stop i settle down for till thursday and then i'm up
and at them. My light at the end of this tunnel my rebirth should i say
comes in the form of summer and time set still. i wonder too much and ponder
till it aches but i cant get it down i cant fill the forms, i sit and stare
like a panda at the wall. I think its just a phase but yo'll know better. to
quote no one i am a spent fire work that failed to ignite still spitting
sparks to dangerous to approach and too empty to reignight, what i am trying
to say is that i'm stuck.
- Date: Tue Jun 11 08:00
james s (archbishop's hairdresser):
- Anybody gotten this newish Patti Smith double CD anthology? Second cd and
notes make it worthwhile for one who has all the records? Glad to see
"piss factory" out again at last. Too bad "hey Joe"
isn't on there. Anybody got a boot of "hey joe" out there in
sandland?
- Date: Sun Jun 9 15:01
tom (is it better of without description):
- welcome to the new toddler. congrats to the mum and dad. to deliver the
shiver..
- Date: Sat Jun 8 18:13
Toddy Gray (todd.gray@ckua.org):
- No Questions...just words of typin' joy...super-fantastic...looking @ a
picture of Howe in his back yard. i must admit I was half to Three-quarters
ignorant during our interview up in Calgary. Nice to read your interview w/
Linda Ray in No Depression...wishin' ya well(ness) to you and your addition.
- Date: Sat Jun 8 14:56
LAS VEGAS ((year 2034)Prior to the Elvis imposters):
- and in the casino main theater,the HOWE LOOKaLIKE and all those wannabe
Gelb`s. Will it be like that ? so commercial ? No i dont think so .But if
there is a earth dwelling GOD** well need i say more .yo G dude and Dudette,
congrats keep em well tucked in a blanket in a basket in the back seat of a
baracuda that runs by means of that( swamp cooler ) much Love . INKED
- Date: Sat Jun 8 12:50
phil (p):
- No Mitch, I have never heard of Cafe Tecuba. I like Sparklehorse(as well
as Wilco and Lambchop). Leonard Cohen is a big hero of mine as well. Oh,
there is an interview with Howe in the most recent NO DEPRESSION magazine.
The Flatlanders are on the front.
- Date: Sat Jun 8 11:45
Rob S (Goo!):
- Howe & Sofie, many congratulations on your newborn. Best wishes and
blessings to your family.Much Love. Rob S, Nat and baby Thomas Casper.UK
- Date: Sat Jun 8 08:37
james s (congrats Gelb and family and in response to mitch...):
- I'm afraid I don't remember the names of many of the towns I went in and
out of, Mitch. I came down south from Abiquiu, New Mexico, mostly
interstate, then cut over east to White Sands, and then went state highway
down to El Paso and Juarez, then through some towns east of El Paso, hopping
on and off some interstate until I hit the interstate that takes you
straight north towards Dallas. I don't think there was a Marfa in there,
but... I saw some mysterious lights while camping under the Abiquiu sky but
they were just stars, and lots of them. Nice to be away from all of the
light pollution.
- Date: Fri Jun 7 21:51
Tommy Gailer (newborn-scroller):
- Congrats to the growin` gelb-family! Hopefully the little sandman is
wealthy and the mother is alright. Great way to start my day with news that.
- Date: Fri Jun 7 16:24
paul (oops):
- and next time I'll spell Sofie's name correctly. Apologies.
- Date: Fri Jun 7 16:23
paul (Remember Rainer):
- Congratulations to Sophie and Howe. And Rainer, I'm sure I can speak for
most of us and say he is sadly missed and fondly remembered. I'll play live
at the performance centre (my favourite) tonight.
- Date: Fri Jun 7 15:53
J~again (world cup):
- Alan, I'm enjoying it, especially since we (England) won today. I suspect
some of you in the States are a little more interested also!
- Date: Fri Jun 7 15:52
Mitch (85719):
- A heartfelt congrats to both Howe and Sofie and Luka. Glad lil' T decided
it was time to arrive. Also, Patti, my best wishes on Rainer's 51st. Was
great to hear "The Inner Flame" on KXCI this morning. Needless to
say, as I've done for the last two years or so years now, I'll have him and
his music in my thoughts and in my house throughout the day/night.
- Date: Fri Jun 7 15:49
J (toddlerworld):
- Congratulations Howe and Sofie!
- Date: Fri Jun 7 14:50
anne (anne@home):
- patti: spreading the new of having delivered a healthy baby is the
greatest news you can ever spread...
- Date: Fri Jun 7 14:34
patti (sunny Tucson):
- Today marks what would have been Rainer's 51st birthday. Wanted to let you
all know. But the big beautiful news is that Sofie delivered a healthy baby
girl on June 5th. I hope you dont mind me spreading the news Howe.....its
just too good not to.
- Date: Fri Jun 7 14:26
Alan (8675309):
- BTW: I swear I didn't hit refresh nor click more than once two comments
ago. Have others been able to get the comment system to work with a Netscape
or Mozilla browser? APR
- Date: Fri Jun 7 14:25
Alan (was Michigan named for Mitch?):
- Hey Mitch: Actually, what happened was I couldn't make a Best o' Sandman
CD, so I made a Best o' GS/Howe/et al. CD -- which I could do (and as you
suggested, found myself placing the old and new in intertwined orders...
found that quieter more recent sounds have great links to much older sounds
in exciting anticipatory [in retrospect] kinds of ways). I don't think of
Giant Sand as a great singles band either but find that I love the songs
singly and that they do reassemble recording to recording. What was
neat/interesting was finding that individual songs within live performances
didn't seem to be reassemblable so much (which is particularly interesting
because so many of the Sandman recordings or fairly contemporaneous.) Happy
day, time to go running, Alan
- Date: Fri Jun 7 14:06
Homey Oscars (qcpeace@anonymous.to):
- I'd like you to publish Giant Sand's gig dates a little earlier. I have
not seen Howe since London in 1990. I miss the son of a bitch and his
haunting guitar licks. Please come back to the Midwest. How much guarantee
do you need for a show if I could line one up for you?
- Date: Fri Jun 7 13:17
Mitch (85719):
- Hey, Alan. I will say that it is sometimes an interesting experience to
compile a "Giant Sand favorites" CD or tape, and then struggle
where best to place one song among others. It seems to be the case that one
CD/LP feels like a piece unto itself, but I find sandwiching an older song
in-between more recent ones creates a nice little warp of time. You know,
I'd have never called GS a great singles band, but the thought crossed my
mind when listening to Selections recently. Ah, well, contextual contextual.
Say, James S, enjoyed hearing about your jaunt through West Texas and
thereabouts (10% earth, 90% sky, eh?). Did you get as far down as Marfa and
delight in the wonder of the Mystery Lights?
- Date: Fri Jun 7 11:27
Alan (cafe tacuba and irreducability):
- I first experienced Cafe Tacuba on David Byrne's Sessions at 34th Street
when it was still on public TV here in the states... that session embraced a
number of cuts from Avalanches de Exitos, which remains my favorite CD of
theirs. BTW: on a different note, I recently tried to assemble a "My
Sandman Favorites" CD and discovered something (moderately?)
interesting. Disembedded from the shows themselves, many of the tunes lose a
great deal of their meaning/sense. I think this ties in to the earlier
(redundant for the list) conversation about GS/Howe shows... each show is of
a piece, and is a piece unto itself, related but organically differentiated
from others. I was really struck by the holistic, almost irreducible,
character of the tunes in their place. Just some thoughts, bon weekend.
Anyone else enjoying the World Cup? Alan
- Date: Fri Jun 7 11:19
Alan (cafe tacuba and irreducability):
- I first experienced Cafe Tacuba on David Byrne's Sessions at 34th Street
when it was still on public TV here in the states... that session embraced a
number of cuts from Avalanches de Exitos, which remains my favorite CD of
theirs. BTW: on a different note, I recently tried to assemble a "My
Sandman Favorites" CD and discovered something (moderately?)
interesting. Disembedded from the shows themselves, many of the tunes lose a
great deal of their meaning/sense. I think this ties in to the earlier
(redundant for the list) conversation about GS/Howe shows... each show is of
a piece, and is a piece unto itself, related but organically differentiated
from others. I was really struck by the holistic, almost irreducible,
character of the tunes in their place. Just some thoughts, bon weekend.
Anyone else enjoying the World Cup? Alan
- Date: Thu Jun 6 16:38
Mitch (85719):
- That's a tough one, James S. I'd try the double CD-combo of Reves/Yo Soy,
or RE. Those are favorites of mine.
- Date: Thu Jun 6 15:11
james s (cafe tacuba):
- Mitch, which Cafe Tacuba would you suggest starting with?
- Date: Wed Jun 5 18:36
james s (tosca/texas):
- Yup, so I've read. Maybe he'll record them on his label. I've never been
to Austin. I have friends who make the pilgramage to SXSW every year, but
not me, yet. I did drive from El Paso through Dallas/Fortworth into AK once.
It was about as exciting as trying to take a nap and not being able to go to
sleep. I wasn't in El Paso long enough to either enjoy or not enjoy it. I
enjoyed knowing that for the first time since Cormac McCarthy moved from
Knoxville, TN, I was in his area again. I wish I could get some rumor about
what that dude is working on, if he's working... Actually, I enjoyed roaming
about the little border towns east of El Paso snapping pictures, but once I
started heading north.... oh brother. I'm used to huge hills and big trees,
having grown up just under the Smokies. All that open space just bent me. I
WOULD like to make my way over to Austin sometime though. I don't know
anything about it, but I always wanted to go to Corpus Christi over on the
Gulf too. I just like the name. I try not to think of the Bush family when I
think of Texas, but as you can see, I'm not very successful. Well, later.
- Date: Wed Jun 5 17:52
Mitch (85719):
- The lovely Toscas, yes. They are quite wonderful, and very much evident in
Waking Life. Didn't they recently tour with David Byrne?
- Date: Wed Jun 5 17:05
james s (tosca):
- You're an ol' texas man, mitch. You familar with them there Tosca string
tango somethin' or another orchestra? I see they have a credit on Friends of
DM "Place in the Sun". This the same bunch, why I believe it is,
that was in that My Dinner With Andre on acid movie, Richard Linklater's
"Waking Life"? Not a bad flick. Something different. When it
started out, I was thinking,"oh man, nobody who's not stoned is going
to be able to stand this..." But as it went along, it kind of hooked
me. "Slacker" goes to college, as marcia said. This sickboy thanks
ya for the advice on meds and such. Could this be a dream? Have I already
drank down my cold and flu potion?
- Date: Wed Jun 5 16:43
Mitch (85719):
- Indeed, James S, that's Howe you hear on The Friends of DM CD. He also has
a co-songwriting credit on "Blood Of The Earth". As for that
cold...man, sleep, relax, and, if you haven't, try Tylenol Cold & Flu
Medicine (the powdered stuff that has a lemon flavor and you mix it in warm
water), as its quite good for strange dreams of varying flavors. Get well,
buddy.
- Date: Wed Jun 5 15:58
james s (howdy (sniff cough sneeze)):
- Yes, Mitch, I'm alive, though I've been staying out of work, feeling a bit
under the weather. I'm afraid Em is gone for the summer. I've been spinning
Friends of Dean Martin(ez) cds today. I have an advance of "Shadow of
Your Smile", comes in a thin case with only a paper insert with an
illustration of a smiling Latin beauty holding a songbird in the palm of her
hand and a little sticker with the band name and album title, and the subpop
logo, therefore, no liner notes or other info. Did Howe ever get involved
with Friends or was that Bill, John, Joey, and others? I thought I maybe
heard some Howe piano. I guess Retrograde was the last one that Joey and
John played on? I love Bill Elm's playing on Backyard BBQ. I've got
"Place in the Sun" too, which is a dark one. Friends of D. M. will
be doing the soundtrack of the David Lynch addoptation of Wind-UP Bird Chron....
Just Kidding. It's the cold medicine.
- Date: Wed Jun 5 14:58
Mitch (85719):
- Phil, have you turned your attention southward. Lots of interesting stuff
coming up here from Mexico and elsewhere which might restore your faith.
Heard Cafe Tacuba?
- Date: Wed Jun 5 14:26
phil (phillly_lawlor@yahoo.com):
- Going through one of my cynical with music stages. I get them every so
often. I think Wilco and Lambchop are great though.
- Date: Wed Jun 5 14:25
Mitch (Punk Floyd) (Is there anybody out there?):
- James S? Em? Someone? Mom? Cowardly Lion? Anyone? All right, just checking
in. Uh...Happy Wednesday everybody, and to everybody a happy...
- Date: Tue Jun 4 11:42
Inga (for all you woodticks):
- Just keep yer pants on and clean up yer mess, I hate the sight of those
ugly beer cans, if you don't watch out I'll sic the mosquitos on ya.
- Date: Tue Jun 4 08:46
jesus (whereismyhead):
- Oups, I forgot the link: http://www.atiza.com/fotos/2002/primaverasound/
- Date: Tue Jun 4 08:44
jesus (txusruiz@terra.com):
- you can see some pics of Howe at last Primavera Sound Festival (Barcelona,
17-05-02. Hasta pronto!
- Date: Tue Jun 4 05:17
subcomandante@home (subcommandante@gmx.at):
- re: Sands Hotel: got the same mail. i reckon it's got to do something with
bob dylan - though i didn't open the attachment. anyway: barbecues are
important. to all those in sandland. may u keep happy & in the finest of
spirits, cheers, sub
- Date: Mon Jun 3 18:44
panda (+/+):
- call her ALMA
- Date: Mon Jun 3 15:19
jpr (@the queen's jubilee):
- anne, i don't know if you're referring to the thingy that came over the
giantsand-discuss mail list. if that is the case, i think you should (let
somebody) check your computer for viruses and such. sounds to me as if maybe
your computer (unintentionally) has sent that virus-mail.
- Date: Mon Jun 3 14:59
INKED WITH SAND (((ooooOOOllOOOoooo)):
- were is everyone? Yo Howe,i got a new kitty cat and looking to give it a
name ?its a girl grey real pretty with white feet. what do you think agood
name would be ? Im thinkin either Onion or maybe Spun. you tell me what you
think.Later Jaw Harp in Hand and inked with sand .
- Date: Mon Jun 3 12:33
anne (anne@home):
- just got in my mail box (in junk mail inbox) a 132 KB mail entitled:
'returned mail: Sands Hotel' from 'postmaster'. I didn't open it.. I suppose
it is something similar to the 'muppet-intruder'??
- Date: Sun Jun 2 18:04
tom (tu quoque fili mi ?):
- any suggestions and / or commemorations glue ?
- Date: Sun Jun 2 17:48
tom (liner notes to 'Let my children hear music' by Charles Mingus):
- Each jazz musician when he takes a horn in his hand- trumpet, bass,
saxophone, drums-whatever instrument he plays-each soloist, that is, when he
begins to ad lib on a given composition with a title and improvise a new
creative melody, this man is taking the place of a composer. He is saying,
"listen, I am going to give you a new complete idea with a new set of
chord changes. I am going to give you a new melodic conception on a tune you
are familiar with. I am a composer." That's what he is saying.
- Date: Fri May 31 11:45
John Lokken (Vetinam Heller Pilot):
- Hey, I got this place.....it's called the DETROXE....you know, over on
Lake Maud. It's a field stone place out of the 40's, mushroom roof, pool
table, jux box with itchin on the dock of the bay, being my favorite next to
Louise Louise...I'm alittle shell shocked and alcholoic but i golf everyday.
I took Robyn to see Little Richard at WE Fest on year. It rained but there
was a rainbow. Any hoot Robyn wants to buy my place from me and restore it.
New kitchen, bothrroms and deck/parking lot. The fishing's great and there's
plenty of room. She needs a half a million to get it going. Come and visit
me.
- Date: Fri May 31 10:25
matt e (see you in the pub sometime??):
- don't leave, glue sniffer!!!!!!!
- Date: Fri May 31 09:52
Blaine (@work):
- Et tu, VU
- Date: Fri May 31 07:50
glue sniffer (like a bad egg i wont have a chick):
- sorry you people of earth the completly ignor me secrect email instigated
by j edgar hoover went past me this morning, so you get your wish i will
stop wasting your precious times. one reason i have been vocal is the, what
i thought at the time but now know to be different, contius refferences to
GS in you peoples letter. now for a while i held my head up high(spot the
lyric for a kiss) and felt proud theat my two milloin monkeys on typewriters
had managed to get me into your little hearts. but no i was wrong. atu
brutus
- Date: Thu May 30 18:00
Mitch (8&5&7&1&9):
- Well, now I do have something to comment about, 'cuz just this afternoon
my copy of Pedalless arrived (thanks Daniel). And after having spun the
discs while I spun about town, I can honestly say this is the best of the
Sandman series thus far (and that's saying something). Great production job,
Mike. And great performances Howe. The artwork is mighty fine as well. Yum
and double yum.
- Date: Thu May 30 14:22
james s (Re:):
- Ahhh. Glad all is well except for your being too busy, Mitch. Chunk of the
summer, eh? Ouch. Well, always a light on here (almost always).
- Date: Thu May 30 13:19
Mitch (swimming laps):
- Howdy, James. Your worry is much appreciated, but fear not...just been a
bit swamped as of late to enjoy as much time as I'd like here in Sandland.
But looks like I'll be on my own for a chunk of the summer, so I imagine
I'll be vactioning here more than ever soon. Anyway, very much enjoyed
Howe's comments, and was glad to hear him address what seems to have
mystified some others. Also, enjoyed your thoughts, too, James. Wish I had
something to contribute on the subject(s), but I suspect whatever I might
say has already been well-typed and made more to the point by better folks.
Alas...
- Date: Thu May 30 13:01
vladivis (voltarch@pi.be):
- I once read an article about an Italian pilosopher who said (more or less)
this : the mind is as the heart, it has to move in two opposite directions
to stay alive. Just as the heart needs to pump in and out the mind needs an
inward and outward movement. Outward to find something new, fresh and
inspiring, finding this in the great unknown world outside. Inward to the
existing, known, already incorporated, finding this in the safe and warm
home. A heart only having one direction surely means a heartattack. The same
counts for the mind, only experiencing safety would lead to a mental-attack,
just as an everlasting stream of "unknown" would do. Could it be
the same for the sonic mind, I certainly think so. If you only listen to the
known sounds your ears will shrivel, only listening unknown sounds would
blow our sonic minds apart. I think this is why I feel so comfortable with
the sonic travellings by Howe and the G Sands. They can hit your mind with
chaotic pieces, directly followed by some very "traditonal" music,
both having one great quality : beeing original. Original not meaning
"new" but meaning from deep within, from their origin. Listening
to "actually faxing Sophia" or "Sonic drive in" and on
the other hand "Wonder" or "Blue lit girl" are to me
both wonderfull sonic experiences, both coming from a same sonic mind/heart.
I had the chance to see Howe/GS 5 times now, apart from one GS show it was
always a "nice experience", this one other time it was just an
"experience", but isn't that just the point. All 5 experiences
were different and worth remembering. I know this all sounds a bit to
serious, but sometimes one has to think about what makes someting worth to
look at, listen to, taste, love..., and writing this down can clear things
out a bit. So after having written or read this I suggest we all should have
a drink and live happy everafter (at least that's what I plan to do). To
Howe an the G Sands : thanks for being nice companions on sonic travels To
Howe : if you really plan to live in Denmark, you should think about this, I
lived their fo half a year, finding it far to expansive, a little boring and
slightly to nationalistic, apart from that it's a beautiful country To the
so called Sandheads : keep your ears open, there is plenty of sonic gold to
rush at away from the Tucson desert
- Date: Thu May 30 10:09
Manny ((Thanks Howe)):
- There are very few artists with the inner drive and conviction to
experiment and discover no matter what the cost. I have been entertained,
let down, bemused, but more importantly, incredibly inspired for the 15
years I've listened to Howe making himself vulnerable in order to find
something sulblime. He does not play it safe. As an artist, I find that
truly inspiring. I am not blindly kissing arse here. I do not idolize Howe
or any rock band. I'm just not sure how much people realize how brave a
thing it is to make yourself vulnerable (and consequently fail miserably at
times) in order to maybe find or have a flicker of brilliance. To me that is
sincerity...and that is living. Thanks for inspiring me to throw convention
out the window by challenging and moving me.
- Date: Thu May 30 06:34
james s (Re:):
- Gracias, Howe, great post, and thanks for endeavoring over the years to
lay down the missing sounds. Stumbling onto your experiments has awakened a
love for music and its possibilities that had previously gone to sleep out
of boredom, and thanks to my pals on this board who have further introduced
me to other vital sounds. Hey, Mitch, it's my time to worry. Haven't seen
your name pop up here in a while. Hope you are traveling, or absorbed in
some literary creating, and that all is well over your way with you and
yours, and that you haven't just gotten bored with this little chit-chat
saloon. Your posts are missed. Hey, why doesn't the GS/Gelb section at Tower
look as full as the Bob Dylan section? This music should be available, and I
know some of the older disks are still distibuted; I've bought some of them
new. Well, enough ramble from this quarter. Alejandro Escovedo live in my
town tonight!
- Date: Thu May 30 06:22
SeanT (GS Live):
- "invigorating elongevity" , that's what it is thankfully .
- Date: Wed May 29 18:08
tom (morph):
- a very intelligent jazztalk by howe. respect.
- Date: Wed May 29 07:50
Glue sniffer (qqqq):
- Which was my point entiraly. I love you gelebo see you in my toxic fume
dreams x xxx dan
- Date: Wed May 29 06:42
howe (range fed):
- james, that was a great stab at the wondermint of sonic intake. i think
that application of a live performance is mostly two-fold. and both are
significant to be allowed papers to pass through customs. the first is a
direct representation of what the mind has already grown familiar with and
sparkles with appreciation upon revisatation in the live format. the second
is the difference between a fine-art (such as painting) and a
performance-art (such as dance). ... whereby the previous recorded piece
serves only as a diving board when face-to-face in a live scenario. i like
em both. but one may serve better then the other depending on what you want
to get out of it. still, it is always by choice. a record label's dream is a
band that can accurately represent the record that has been released before
a given a tour. a record company's nightmare is a band who's tour represents
the record they will record after such a tour. ...um...you know which one we
are. when i started making records in the early 80s it was due, in most
part, of the abundant lack of records sounding the way i hungered for. so it
was fun to go up against the grain, and also seemed vitiman enriching to
grow your own sound. this developed in utilizing the live forum as a tool in
the process, instead of a virtual commercial representation of the product
you were selling. so, herein lies the crux: if we were nestled nicely in a
manhatten nieghborhood somewhere in the late 40s or 50s, then we would have
the vehicle of morph at our disposal by aquiring monthly engagements at a
single club, like the be-boppers did, which, due to the lack of public
awareness outside the city, could allow for said touringness. so these bands
would change from night to night, and it made sense. it made sense to them
to grow and change and dare each other player to deviate and find their way
back and then celibrate such return, and it made sense to the public who
would often be the very same attendies week after week, and therefor play
witness to this morphing and transition. ....alas, our morph has been taken
on the road, for the lack of having a convenient 'branson, missourie'
available in our vicinity, and by doing so, applied this relative morph to
get to where ever the next recording says we were heading to. calexico have,
in their 12 odd years schooled in this camp, instead removed enough of the
daily improv so as to allow proper digestion and, even more important,
distinct description. this is a relief to see that within the ranks these
things are at least possible. but it feels more comfortable then ever for me
to remain uncomfortable within the qualification of description. to this day
i still do not know what kind of music i / we make. and i think it allows a
certain level of cult status, well away from the thickening of audience
swell, but also an invigorating elongevity. that being said, i wonder what
it means----hoopla howe
- Date: Tue May 28 06:45
james s (Re:):
- Have a good summer yourself, em, and good luck with whatever you're up to.
- Date: Tue May 28 03:42
MR Glue Sniffer Phd (need to know too need):
- Hello its been a while now i'm back with venom in my smile as i say too
you all looking at me dont take too much away from 3 , because youll only
get hurt amongst all the quantum foam im rapping boy so change your tone. i
leant to walk before i could swim so i could always watch but never jump in.
this crazzy world with its ups and downs were not players were all just
clowns so in this rap i intend to say lets all love put the hate away. so
those giant sand dont make it live well come on honey howe did you want to
jive? we all know how glass is made. too much heat pressure and were all
dissmayed, so the lesson here for us all to learn, is that some times its
better to fade than burn. wicked
- Date: Mon May 27 13:18
em (can't resist):
- `_' ~
- Date: Mon May 27 13:16
em* (`_' times 72):
- **Alright--this is my 'hi' and 'bye' for the better part of the summer.
hope it's a great one for everybody here. stay safe. James, I agree with you
about live shows--more than once, I've listened to an album& found it
unlistenable then tried again, say, a month later and have been blown away.
There are a few concerts I wish I could see a second time. But then the
whole point of the live performance would be defeated. So it's double edged.
Take care everybody. ***
- Date: Mon May 27 10:36
Blaine (@workonMemMonday):
- James, you nailed it.
- Date: Mon May 27 10:33
jpr (old world):
- thanks, james. great post!
- Date: Mon May 27 10:07
james s (Oh, just some thoughts I thought MIGHT interest one or
two of you):
- I guess my introduction to the kind of music that transended form and
became FREE came from Patti Smith. I think of patti's music (the first two
records, Horses in particular, Land in particular) as similar to catholic
mysticism, and Patti like some cross between Teresa of Avila and Joan of Arc
("I feel like some misplaced Joan of Arc"), in that she she has
what sounds like inspired bursts of transported improvisation flying here
and there out of her song, the song being there as a solid form, the
transport being like some arrow that fires out of the form. After twenty
five years of listening to Land, I am lifted by it with her more and more
with each listen. She tried to go directly to the transport on Radio
Ethiopia and I don't think it came off nearly as well. Now, Giant Sand (on
the less structured stuff) and certianly in certain kinds of Jazz, I think
of in Buddhist terms, that is, their experiments are created and experienced
in the moment, they go for the transport from remaining in a loose
spontaneity where accidental brilliance can play out. Ironically, in my
opinion, the wilder Giant Sand stuff, and the more free jazz stuff, is best
appreciated after multiple listenings. I don't know if it's because they are
playing around a form that is there and needs only to be discovered, or if
maybe it is more interactive between player and listener, that the artist
simply provides the interesting sounds and the listener, after repeated
listenings, creates the "song" or form that seems to be implied
out of a natural human need to give order to chaos. Anyway, these thoughts
came to me because of the comments about the live GS shows that showed up on
the board recently. It seems ironic and kind of tragic for some folks that
this kind of music, which gets richer with repeated listenings is the very
kind of music that is most alive when it's "live" and is MEANT to
be created and experienced in the very moment of creation. Sitting in a
club, you only get one shot at "getting it". So, to have a chance
at "getting it", you have to be kind of buddhistic as a listener,
let go of the lovely forms you''ve constructed by repeated listenings to the
records, and realize that the live show is primary, it is a whole different
kind of beast, and you have to BE THERE in the NOW. From Patti Smith to
Coltrane, for years and years, I have only REALLY given a damn about music
that's about to get out of it's skin and point to something unknown.
- Date: Mon May 27 02:00
ro ("/"):
- what have I done to hurt u ?
- Date: Sun May 26 19:41
¿?¿?¿?¿ (¡Hola!):
- cheeses might return?
- Date: Sun May 26 18:25
tom (doembiedoembiedoem):
- maybe ro should get her money and then f off
- Date: Sun May 26 14:42
James (jdmcallister@blueyonder.co.uk):
- Howe.when are you going to play in Scotland again ? the kilted ones await
you !
- Date: Sun May 26 07:31
ro ro (°!° °!°):
- sorry for my doppelganger
- Date: Sun May 26 07:29
ro (+/+):
- even more kidnapped by yr music :listenin to realplaying show in Germany.
wayfaring stranger makes me fly to the moon! never ever found such a marble
cover. and shiver?OH IT SHIVERS ME! genius is not just the one who has great
expressive capacities and does good things in an artistic field. genius is
the one who has an idea of the world, a radical and revolutionary idea of
the world, and carries it on simply. this is what was said about Luigi
Ghirri, an italian photographer. and this is what I think you are. dear howe.
LUV
- Date: Sun May 26 07:25
ro (+/+):
- even more kidnapped by yr music :listenin to realplaying show in Germany.
wayfaring stranger makes me fly to the moon! never ever found such a marble
cover. and shiver?OH IT SHIVERS ME! genius is not just the one who has great
expressive capacities and does good things in an artistic field. genius is
the one who has an idea of the world, a radical and revolutionary idea of
the world, and carries it on simply. this is what was said about Luigi
Ghirri, an italian photographer. and this is what I think you are. dear howe.
LUV
- Date: Sun May 26 05:41
ro (*!*):
- haY howe! did you call yr newborn -Zelda- ?
- Date: Sun May 26 05:35
ro (*!*):
- haY howe! did you call yr newborn -Zelda- ?
- Date: Sat May 25 07:59
Tadeusz W±adys±aw Bñak (james s) (this thing broke or what?
Hello? Somebody turn on the light!):
- I'm just here working on the holiday weekend, hoping the rest of you are
having a swell time out on three day camping trips and such, far away from
your machines...
- Date: Fri May 24 06:51
Blaine (@workandchomping@ the bit):
- (Book of) Job, yr weather comment hits home. The outdoor music season
kicks off this weekend here in Milwaukee, where we try to cram 12 months
worth of festivals in three months of good weather -- cross yr fingers, it's
44 degrees.
- Date: Fri May 24 03:16
tom ((re : trail)):
- Sean, it was the last gig of their european tour, there was hardly
anything left of the club, when they finished...
- Date: Fri May 24 03:06
Sean T (TOM And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of The.....):
- Tom , yes they are a great band and live it's something else .Did they
have any instruments left by the end of the show ?
- Date: Thu May 23 19:20
inked with sand (( O )):
- howe,just listened to pedalless again and over. Spun and i am . sounds
like butterflys on those keys.well sped and yet well Spun.good shows thanks
for making them available!
- Date: Thu May 23 19:04
tom (^^^ and you will know us ^^^):
- by the trail of dead. went to their show in the Ancienne Belgique Club,
last sunday, got the hearing in my right ear back monday night. I have been
shouting to people that this concert was incredible for five consecutive
days (and that they should forget about the Stripes 'n Strokes) and in the
mixt of typing this i'm listening to Waits' 'Alice'. I like the postmodern.
Listening to the Sand and mr. Gelb, mr. Waits, mr. Monk, mrs. Simone and a
band the trail of alive.
- Date: Thu May 23 18:53
¿¥±±±¥? (©ººº®°°°©):
- °¯°§¥§°¯°
- Date: Thu May 23 18:38
Job (hottie4656@hotmail.com):
- BTW Howe, When I was a wee boy, living over there in England I had this
toy sail boat--it was about 2 foot long, green with a white sail and black
keel. One day I put it in the North Sea and it was never seen again. If ya
come across it; let me know.Has my name on the keel
- Date: Thu May 23 18:31
Job (Hatchy Milatchy Land):
- On the subject of critics: "All you critics stand alone you're no
better than me for what you've shown" Now who said that? As for me most
of the noise I make is for privte consumption,but it generally makes me
smile and that's always been the biggest measure of critical success.
weather it puts a smile on your face or not. If the folks making the music
are enjoying it it's good; if you can enjoy it with 'em it's that much
better.
- Date: Thu May 23 16:26
!!! (`_'):
- ...
- Date: Thu May 23 16:23
e (:::mmmm:::):
- I would agree.
- Date: Thu May 23 15:44
james s (+):
- We're all mad here.
- Date: Thu May 23 15:25
Mitch (85719):
- Yikes, me & Feke were doodling at the same time.
- Date: Thu May 23 15:24
Mitch (a tick, an elephant, and edward):
- +--(*"*)--+ ^*#*^ G(+_*)9
- Date: Thu May 23 15:17
~_' ($Feck_HED-OV_ buurd):
- @¬@, o_o,
- Date: Thu May 23 13:29
Mr. Bill (` 0 '):
- Oh Nooooooooo!
- Date: Thu May 23 13:11
howe ( ^£^):
- absolutely nothing to report
- Date: Thu May 23 13:10
bird (yeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaaa):
- I'm not in jail yet! Somebody sing Spoon River for me! You know....wider
than a mile, I'm crossing you in style.....TODAY!
- Date: Thu May 23 11:47
James s (() !! ()):
- Sorry Blain, Tom wanted an E and since I didn't have one to spare, I gave
him yours. I sure wish I could spel.
- Date: Thu May 23 10:13
james s (Tom Waites):
- Anybody else catch the Tom Waites interview on Fresh Air? Still haven't
heard the new records, but judging from the bits they played on the radia
show, sounds good! If any of you are interested, you can still listen to the
interview online at: http://search1.npr.org/opt/collections/torched/fa/data_fa/seg_143703.htm
- Date: Thu May 23 09:21
tHom (~|~ |¬¬| ¦¬/ ~\/~ it'saconspiracy):
- a good piece by agee on silent comedy appears in one of the most
fascinating books i've read in the last couple of years, called simply
"movies" it's an anthology of writing on that subject, put
together by gilbert adair. it begins with an account by gogol of a screening
in 19th century russia of an early film of a train coming into a station.
then it goes on to select writing by a great diversity of people covering
every aspect of films and their making. because it's so diverse it somehow
manages to touch on far more than the central subject without ever losing
it. anthologies are often dodgy but this one really works and i found it one
of the most thought-provoking and inspirational books i've read in years.
now i'm sounding like a critic. incidentally, if you press control-alt-4 on
an UK keyboard you can do this €.
- Date: Thu May 23 07:43
Sean T (Drunken Bees):
- Got a copy of the drunken bees video . Nice short movie about the boys
from Arizona .Nice to see some footage of Rainer . Does anyone know/have any
live film footage of Rainer ? Sean.
- Date: Thu May 23 07:43
`_' ( `_'):
- ~ ~ ~
- Date: Thu May 23 07:36
em (okay, good morning.*):
- the face is actually becoming very endearing
- Date: Wed May 22 18:34
erwin (in an español kinda state of becoming):
- let us now praise.. agee. yes. walker evans. oh boy. çµçµ. and i'm
from europe.. our thirties depression had something to do with a tiny german
guy.. but speaking of 'locals' to praise.. go see 'hable con ella', the last
one by almodóvar. made me think of kieslowski's 'short story about love',
but less polish.. sorta.
- Date: Wed May 22 15:53
Mitch (85719):
- Ah, oui oui, James s...oui oui.
- Date: Wed May 22 15:04
james s (( `_' )):
- Wow, Poot! What groovy keys you have! James Agee again. His intro to
"Let Us Now Praise Famous Men" is one of the most enjoyable rants
I've ever read. Speaking of Ray Davies, everybody's heard Art Lover done by
Lambchop on the "This Is Where I Belong" record, right???
- Date: Wed May 22 14:45
Mitch (85719):
- Is that true, Blaine? I had no idea. Hmmmmmmmmm...maybe I should
re-consider my dislike of ol' quiversome Roger. I still pine for Siskel's
better take on films.
- Date: Wed May 22 14:44
Mitch (=--(*#*)--+):
- Agreed, James, "Agee On Film," is a great read. "The Shock
Of The New" by Robert Huges, while not about film, is darn good. Just
finished Ray Davies unauthorized autobiography "X-Ray", not great
but very enjoyable, and clever in its own way.
- Date: Wed May 22 14:41
Blaine (@trivacentralia):
- Mitch didn't Mr. Ebert work on the Sex Pistols R&R Swindle screenplay?
- Date: Wed May 22 14:36
poot (♫Ö ☼ ‡):
- what? oh.
- Date: Wed May 22 14:29
( `_') (( ` _ ' )):
- (`_')
- Date: Wed May 22 14:22
emm (and**):
- of course me saying that the idea of the music critic is pretty silly's a
huge generalization--there's always an exception..with everything.
- Date: Wed May 22 14:18
em (aaah, James!):
- that face is disturbing. I'm disturbed.
- Date: Wed May 22 13:23
james s (hey look I have a ` button, but my regular apostrophe '
just goes straight down so, my mean face is a bit deformed, ( `_' )):
- Ever read "Agee on Film", a collection of the movie reviews of
James Agee? Pretty good stuff. A critic's oppinion is always just that, but
SOMETIMES, if the "critic" is thoughtful and intellegent and also
happens to be a good or at least an interesting writer, they can be both
informative and enjoyable. But, with most who aspire to being a critic, I
agree with ya, Mitch. Mingus had some sweet things to say about this subject
in his liner notes to Black Saint and the Sinner Lady.
- Date: Wed May 22 12:22
J (-*¬):
- Hello from India
- Date: Wed May 22 12:20
J (¬¦-):
- Best i could do in the time allowed
- Date: Wed May 22 11:49
Mitch (\(+%+)/ had to give it a try):
- Howe, I love the Jerry Garcia story of kicking Phil Lesh down the stairs.
Pretty funny, and so out of keeping with this image I have of Garcia as
having been a lovable, teddy-bearish fellow. So I suppose performing can be
a bit of an in-the-eye-of-a-hurricane experience, with sometimes no sense of
what is being felt en masse beyond the stage? As for the idea of someone
being a professional critic, I’ve often wondered why anyone would choose
that line of work. I mean, it just seems a lame aspiration, somewhere near
the low end of the totem pole. Plus, it’s hardly an exact science, though
the amount of legitimacy attached to the critic is staggering at times.
Besides writing the screenplay for the horrible Beyond The Valley Of The
Dolls, the only other thing Roger Ebert is known for is using his thumb to
indicate approval or disapproval, but that friggin’ thumb of his is
desired by every major movie studio in the U.S. Maybe I just can’t forgive
him for heaping his bile on The Southpark Movie. Critics can kill album
sales, dwindle movie lines, make books trivial. They can do the opposite,
too. But who are they? What exactly is their true function? An interesting,
somewhat mindless thing to do is to look at The Rolling Stone Record Guide
(1979) and start comparing many of their reviews with those in later
editions of the very same book (suddenly revisionism runs rampant--a two
star album in ‘79 might become a four star album in ‘86). The Kirkus
Review dumped on All The Pretty Horses, but after its acclaim and awards
they praised it in subsequent reviews of McCarthy’s other books. Actually,
there are a few critics that sort of function like cultural historians,
people like Robert Hughes or Greil Marcus, and I usually find what they say
or write to be of value (even when I disagree). But for the most part
though, I find the best gauge for what’s good, bad, ugly,
mind/soul-thrilling or just downright vomitus for me is myself, followed by
the folks I know who usually have interesting things to share. So most
critics kind of remind of those books you see at the store--shelf after
shelf of HOW TO WRITE A BEST-SELLING NOVEL, TEN-STEPS TO PUBLISHING SUCCESS
(I imagine Step Ten is to publish a book on the Ten Steps to Publishing
Success), etc.--except the authors are people I’ve never heard of, so I
find myself wondering why--if they really have cracked the code--aren’t
they filling the world with best-selling novels, paradigm-shifting albums,
or brilliant movies? All right, I apologize for my rambling fingers. Better
cut back on the morning brew. Hope everyone’s mid-week is finding them in
fine form.
- Date: Wed May 22 10:19
e (mm):
- **morning everyone. The new Neil yOung biography is $30 but looks pretty
interesting so maybe I'll have to get a job at a book store. Howe Gelb, you
are being quite the showoff. Did this relocation have anything directly to
do with the fact that they got fancy keys? how unfair. the fanciest I got
is: ~ and I can't even put it over the 'n' when speaking spanish! oh the
humanity
- Date: Wed May 22 09:05
james s (*!*):
- Show off!
- Date: Wed May 22 08:46
mmm.... ( ¤ \/ Ø ):
- ~
- Date: Wed May 22 08:01
Blaine (@work):
- Howe -- you remind me of when George Allen coached the Redskins
"...on any given Sunday..." -- the possibilities are endless.
Anybody pick up the new Neil Young biography yet?
- Date: Wed May 22 07:09
howe.... ( `U´):
- em, these machines in scandoland have all sorts of extra buttons...like
€ for example....or the very popular Å...and of course the lovely Æ
......a day without Ø is not complete at all....and then there is this lil
mysterious ¤ ...so as you can see there is plenty to work with here in the
land of the 11 pm sunset. PS....last word on critiques and such, well....i
feel the same way at any given point as all of you. you are me. i am just
you. the mind wobbles with what i think happened on any given night, versus
what might have actually happened. remember that scene (trick question) in
that old greatful dead movie where garcia admitted to kicking phil lesh
(flesh ?) down the stairs after a show cuz he thought they sucked...then
confessed after he heard the tape of that night he realized it was great
after all....well...all i know is i remember way back when i used to get
upset after certain shows thinking we sucked, only to have folks come up
afterwards and tell me how good it was....so i decided it is best not to
insist we sucked in those situations.....i would virtually be calling these
folks "liars"...and that would be very rude...and maybe wrong too.
- Date: Tue May 21 09:46
Blaine (@work):
- Em, I tend to agree with you about "critics", but I've found
that when you get to know another person's taste it can be a good gauge for
yr own. Best bet is still make up yr own mind. FYI -- Just finished
listening to Pedalless -- nice work to all involved in putting it together -
you deserve a pat on the back. Extremely cool snapshots of the music.
- Date: Tue May 21 08:56
test test ('_'):
- no, shouldn't let a critic make up your mind for ya, but I've been turned
on to some good stuff by "critics". Find one you typically agree
with and he or she can produce some good leads, open some doors... -james s
- Date: Tue May 21 08:37
this is frustraiting (`_`):
- --
- Date: Tue May 21 08:35
oh and I like that thing - - ( ` ___`):
- how do you do the left eyeball going the other way??
- Date: Tue May 21 08:19
***e (m***):
- morning everyone. Howe makes a good point about perception which makes me
think(all the more) that the idea of the music critic is pretty silly. the
way one person experiences something is swayed by all their previous
experiences so how can this one person's specific experience have anything
to do with each and every reader's? It could mean something completely
different. hope everyone's is a good day.
- Date: Tue May 21 04:01
Frank Castenholz (Orange Blossom Special) (tocotroniac@gmx.de):
- Hello sand people! Just dropped by to report from the „orange blossom
special 6“-festival that happened this weekend. It´s a concert event
(kind of backyard bbq) organised by the Glitterhouse record label in
Germany, Beverungen (please don’t ask where that town lies– even Germans
sometimes believe this region doesn’t exist). Anybody else who was there?
I really liked it - especially the gig of our Friends of Dean Martinez.
Although they actually didn’t rock the stage (they sat and played and
sometimes mumbled) they managed to kick asses somehow. When they finally
invited John Dee Graham to play Neil Young’s “Harvest” and “Like A
Hurricane” together the crowd was going crazy. I’d love to hear that on
CD (Tommy, do you have connections?). I really enjoyed the way Dave Lachance
played drums (I hope it was Dave…). He very much reminds me of John
Convertino. It’s just a personal impression but I think that the John
Con-style somehow influenced the sound of a lot of “alternative”
drummers. For example, listen to the Chris and Carla tune on the American
Music Club Tribute. (Where are John´s roots and influences? Jazz I
guess...) Some other band impressions: Pleasant Grove seem to listen to lot
of Calexico. Johnny Dowd seemed to be stoned, high or low on whatever
(talking about black dogs on the stage?!) but made some weird interesting
music. The Yahoos (former Georgia Satellites, Dan Baird…) play fine good
time rock n roll. John Dee Graham seems to make nice music for hanging
around, smiling and slurping beer from plastic cups but there’s a certain
danger that his records sound like Joe Cocker. Does anybody have an
objection? I hope Howe will make it to this event someday and kick ears and
asses too - but somehow I am afraid that the Glitterhouse chefs consider GS
too spicy for their plain cooking. Short and nice week to everyone!
- Date: Mon May 20 20:47
Dan Schwanz (schwanz@gorge.net):
- Just received the new Giant Sand CD - Cover Magazine - and was promptly
blown away! Great stuff!
- Date: Mon May 20 16:10
paul (Notseeingred):
- Harvieux, as i said, and as you have said, each to his own. I wasn't at
the show and essentially disagree with Mr. Allum's viewpoint based on my
listening experiences of the band. My post was more to do with subsequent
messages basically saying he was wrong and NOT allowed to express his
opinion. Anyway, great message as usual from Howe, surely Scotland has
something of what dublin has to offer. grovel grovel grovel
- Date: Mon May 20 16:10
mike ([sa-wa-ro]):
- i think all the gs stuff is online now (except some of the larger sandman
images)...... the form on the sandman page doesn't work yet.... need to load
some formmail cgi (tomorrow). just checked 'cover magazine' vinyl..... side
one plays as side two (and vice versa).
- Date: Mon May 20 13:32
matt (inner flame):
- i think mike said that part of the site is down for a while...anyways, it
was Rainer, try the link on the main page (http://www.giantsand.com/rainer/rainer-page.htm)
- Date: Mon May 20 11:34
Chris Ho (xho@singapore.com):
- Hi, I'm using a Mac and I can't get into the artist info or lyrics/song
info of your Cover Magazine web-page. I'm writing a review of your fabulous
album for the local newspaper here in Singapore, and I need to know who
first recorded The Inner Flame. What a beautiful song. Thanx Chris Ho
- Date: Mon May 20 10:52
Harvieux (Misunderstood?):
- Paul K..... I disagree?Did you read what said subject left for comments?
As an artist/entertainer myself I would have to say it was downright
rude.Regardless.I usually give A resturaunt 2-3 trys if the food and service
are still less than desirable I just dont go back! but thats just my opinion
.I think you said we are entitled to that right??
- Date: Mon May 20 09:44
howe (`_´):
- ...er no blaine. senor rodriguez currently resides in amsterdamster....when
not in spain.
- Date: Mon May 20 07:51
Blaine (@work):
- Howe -- is that Miguel Rodriguiez from The Sound of Music studio in NC? We
played in Johnny Thunders tribute project here in MKE moons ago. Along with
his studio skills, he is one real baad mf on drums. Anyone else see Shane
MacGowan's recent gigs?
- Date: Mon May 20 07:31
howe (home on the gas range):
- back just now from the 5 day run: dublin, london, bacelona and seville.
dublin is always a surge of core inceptions. something like tapping into the
source of that which is the written word assembled from the stumbling
notion. but taking ryanair over there from denmark was a logistical error.
they mess up their own connections. took all day. got there just in time to
set up before doors opened, and to embrace the collective on stage already
assembled. sweet sonic family reunion......i liked the show though......and
the first one in a line is always a gamble for a rutterless vessel such as
this. but it felt good. ....the next night was london.....and i knew there
should be some pressure in the shadow of the barbican "gig of the
year" noteriety. but what no on else knew about the barbican is that we
did not play as well as we did during the 7 gigs before it, yet the promise
of the display of such a beautiful facility and the spinning press of the
show prior has the phycological set-up to allow the illusion of a brilliant
show. it is all in your head, which is where it is always supposed to
be....we allow the show we want to see...every painting on the wall will be
only what the viewer needs to see....but the colors of it will always be a
secret specific hue to each individual set of eyes. we can collectively only
agree we are seeing the color "red"....but will never really know
if it is the exact same color red as whoever else is looking at it.
.....which in itself is another thankful miracle of
involvement......meanwhile, back on earth, the 'ocean' stage was of decent
girth to allow some elbow room. but some surpises such as the piano having
to be elevated and such always lend themselves to the flavor of proceeding.
....it was also miguel rodriguez's second night with us ever as sound man,
since jelle kuiper was on extended tour of duty with 'lambchop', and he did
a fantastic job of taking on such a large contingency in such a small amount
of time to prepare. thanks much miguel.......other then stumbling thru an
attempt at "corridor" (at ms. harvey's request) ...i enjoyed the
show very much....although my memory was that we did 'blue marble girl' just
before the encore.....isn't that right ???.....anyhow, the only drag was how
far away from the center of town we all were....it meant a serious travel
for everybody to access the show.....but the facility was nice.....just felt
like traveling from tucson to phoenix to get back to the hotel, so i can
imagine the pain of folks having to rely on the trains and such. and thanks
especially to mike and sarah for helping with everything. ....anyway, i know
the show was good at the 'ocean'....and i know we all had a very fun time
doing it. whatever color 'red' john allum cared to see that night was what
he had to see. ...but obviously he did see 'red'......the next day was
travel....easyjet....as difficult as ryanair in their own way, specifically
denying us carrying on a guitar in a vinyl gig bag, which every other
airline allows. they insisted it had to be checked, which would have meant
doom to the vintage bass. i had a chat with the pilot however, who was very
understanding. kept in the cockpit with him in fact. ....the festival in
barcelona was a nice slice of cacophany. but in truth , we are not geared
for the slotted surge of volume exchange that is most applicable in such
environs. so a dive into john's drums at the finale was inevitable i fear.
fun though........ok...2 hours sleep then we are in seville......a sold out
show there in the kind of room that seems to be best suited for us these
days, a theater, much like the barbican. it allows an intimacy and sound
quality that will never exist in any bar like climate where folks can't help
the drink urking spewing chatter of interuption to those who are trying to
enjoy the sonic subtlities. a beautiful evening. ...and a lot of fun again.
so the dive into the drums that night was just for good luck and farewell.
.......well.......that's just my take.....glad to see so many people
attempting to have some fun and drink in the night with an urgency well
mixed with the sweet wonder of why we are all here at all. loving thanks
best of all to john, joe, saholy, laureline, noah, susan, miguel and steve
left....and nigel too.
- Date: Mon May 20 03:08
mike ([sa-wa-ro]):
- Just to let you know that the sa-wa-ro.com site is down for the next few
days. This is due to having to change hosting companies at short notice, due
to various security issues. I apologise to anyone who got 'spam' from my
sa-wa-ro email account, unfortunately hackers got in and used my id to send
out a massive amount of 'spam'. (t)odd, it was a printing error on the
cover.... but at least the vinyl edition has a much better cover and
artwork. Are your tracks in the right order? I spoke to someone at Ocean,
who said his copy had the all the right tracks but in the wrong order!!....
and I don't know if Mr Allum was the person who ran up to my wife and
attacked her on Wednesday, screaming and ranting that it was f***ing s**t
and all wrong, but I hope you've calmed down...it really isn't that big a
deal.
- Date: Sun May 19 10:59
Mitch (Bird is short for Yardbird):
- James S, you might try "Bird At The Roost" or "One Night In
Birdland" if they're available. "The Verve Years" are pretty
good too.
- Date: Sun May 19 08:44
james s (oh, and):
- (t)odd, I'm afraid you're going to have to get the CD for those tracks.
Bummer, I know.
- Date: Sun May 19 08:41
james s (whacking the computer keyboard with my foot):
- Well said, Mitch, and well put too, oh and thanks for the John Coal Train
"Favorite Things" suggestion. Very very good. A beautiful mix of
sweet melody and soaring improvization, and such a warm grooving feel. Any
of you music aficionados (or aficionadas) wanna tell me a good place to
start with Charlie (bird) Parker? I suppose it's not so ironic that my love
for the Sand and my involvement on this comments board would turn me into a
lover of the hard bop.
- Date: Sun May 19 07:54
Deirdre ((Dub-land but not a Dub)):
- Thank you, Giant Sand, for coming to Dublin recently (your debut here as
was described!). I was looking forward to seeing this seven piece band that
I'd been reading so much about: Greenville....Cracklin' Water....a
violinist(!) but the bit that I keep remembering is Howe whacking his foot
down on the keys during the encore. That's the last time he gets a 'real
piano' around here - (they must have some really strange piano teachers in
Pennsylvania....!). Hope you enjoyed your short visit.
- Date: Sat May 18 21:43
Tommy Gailer (rock-a-scroller):
- Maybe John allum should register to the sandman-series and get himself
"Make it sound like Hendrix" from Howe`s 89 duo tour. Very rockin`!
- Date: Sat May 18 19:08
Mitch (85719):
- Well put, PaulK.
- Date: Sat May 18 18:06
(t)odd (todd.gray@ckua.org):
- I can't find tracks 11, 12, 13 of 'Cover Magazine'...I have the mag on
vinyl. Help...?...losing keys and songs is mind bending. 'Cover' is #3 on
ckUt charts in Montreal...10-FouR! Ya know Howe...it good to be Alberta
bound...
- Date: Sat May 18 15:47
paulk (spellcheck):
- did=dig
- Date: Sat May 18 15:46
paulk (i'm@home):
- I don't think it's fair to bash Mr.Allum, he likes the albums and probably
didn't expect Howe's idiosyncratic presentations. He was honest and said he
didn't like the show, his opinion and as valid as anything else on
here.We've managed to avoid flames for the most part and people should feel
free to voice criticism. Remember a couple of others agreed with John.
There's nothing wrong in wishing that Howe would just come on and rock, he's
done it before and according to the Juxtaposition liner notes, some people
did the rock and roll element of the band. To John I say try them again
because one thing you can say is that next time Howe and the band will be
different. Paul
- Date: Sat May 18 03:28
SeanT (GS LIVE):
- I don't know each to there own I suppose .It just that I go see a lot of
bands and to see someone thinking on stage and not just ploughing through
the same old, is refreshing . There's no distance between band and audience
with GS/Howe , I felt like getting up on stage myself the other night , and
I'm sure I would have handed a pedal to play with. I've seen GS a ton of
times , it's never been dull and always been a great evening out , I've
always left with a big stupid grin on my face . Come on the alternative is
what the record companies want us to here , nice, safe , sponsored music ,
not music that challenges , makes you think etc .Hell I know what I want .
- Date: Fri May 17 17:42
james s (oh, to be just ONCE within a day's drive to a show):
- Harvieux, 10 bucks won't make up for the fact that I've never seen GS live
and so can't complain about the sound or praise the bemused expressions, but
it would be a good start. So, you can send me one of those ten dollar bills
if you like. If enough people send me a ten, I might eventually be able to
afford a weekend flight to wherever the sandy action is going down (or up).
The weekend has come around, yet again. Make of it what you will and enjoy
it if you can.
- Date: Fri May 17 13:04
Blaine (@work):
- Mr. Lee, please step forward. Yr mention of Pharaoh Sanders made my week.
I'll dig out the vinyl tonight.
- Date: Fri May 17 12:13
benny on congress (benny@johnallum.com):
- i agree, john allum sounds like a moron
- Date: Fri May 17 10:59
Harvieux (harvieux@hotmail.com):
- John Allum.Lighten up.Or better yet do A little more research on who it is
exactly you think your seeing next time you go out.You may opt to just stay
home and listen to the records.The talent is all there in an abundant
fashoin and this we all know factually.I dont understand what you expect to
get out of bashing the Sand? Im sure Howe would refund the 10 or so bucks
you shelled out if youre wasted time is that valuable to ya.Or heck ill send
it to ya if it will make it all better let me know!!!!!!!
- Date: Fri May 17 10:24
Mitch (85719):
- Well said, Stewart Lee.
- Date: Fri May 17 08:35
Alan ((*in defense of adding d's to ad*)):
- urp, sory, coud spel ons upon a tiem... APR
- Date: Fri May 17 08:32
Alan ((** ad-vice **)):
- A number of folks mentioned a while back that they'd missed the Diet Coke
ad with the intro to Shiver in the background... it is available at:
http://www2.coca-cola.com/presscenter/av_advertising.html About half way
down the menu of ads in the center of the screen, the add is called
"Dads," is for diet Coke, and is indicated to have run in North
America. At least using my browser, it takes a while to move down to the add
-- which you do by placing your cursor over the down-arrow on the lower
right of he "Advertising" "window" in the middle of the
screen (there appears to be no more efficient way). cheers, APR
- Date: Fri May 17 08:32
Tommy Gailer (adams-scroller):
- To Ryan Adams: saw him in Munich recently and must confess i enjoyed his
show, although he seemed to be pretty stoned or whatever...the songs were
pretty different to the studio versions and he sang very good.
- Date: Fri May 17 06:26
Sean T (LIVE):
- Stewart , everything you've said is true and is why we like them .I
couldn't imagine seeing them live , playing straight versions of all the
songs . It wouldn't be the same without Howe fumbling around with effects
pedals , cd players etc .It's what makes them what they are . I see bands
all the time and it's a real always a real joy to see people having to
improvise , not too many bands do this now if any . Sean.
- Date: Fri May 17 02:34
Stewart Lee (s@n):
- GS live takes chances. You almost never see this in rock music which, as a
rule, is safe safe safe. Even supposed indie-bands are playing to click
tracks. Sometimes GS live co-heres. Sometimes it doesn't. Either way it's
valuable. Their live shows are as varied as their albums. What do we go
along expecting exactly? Is Long Stem Rant part of the same aesthetic as
Slush? Apparently so. Wednesday at Ocean reminded me of the early 90's Chris
Cacavas/Psycho Sisters Giant Sand big band, but more determinedly
adventurous, but this is only a small slice of the many different things GS
can do. GS will be back solo, in trios, whatever. With a 20 year back
catalogue GS live is never going to be representitive of whatever small
fragment of their sound you feel is what you personally want from them. You
have to relax and trust that you are in creative, if not necessarilly
competent, hands. And these days HG at least acts like a gentleman, looking
as delighted, bewildered and intrigued by what is going around him as the
open minded audience members themselves might. Saw Dylan on Sunday doing
much the same - making Stuck Inside A Mobile better than the record, and Sub
Homesick Blues much worse, playing solos that sounded like a child
investiagting a stray guitar,and making sudden impulsive decisions that
spooked the seasoned pros onstage with him. I never expected to see such
disarray and daring in a stadium. I saw Pharoah Sanders at The Jazz Cafe
last month who, oddly, seems far closer to GS principles than Ryan Adams et
al ever do. I suspect people who now feel disappointed by Wednesday will
find it stays with them and grows in the memory.
- Date: Thu May 16 21:46
Tommy Gailer (psychoscroller):
- To Pat Goba Bateman: funniest post ever from the bottom of my heart. Now
Patrick, tell the cops where you buried the rest of the bodies...
- Date: Thu May 16 17:51
mr. orange (mrorange@gmx.li):
- howdy howeeeeeee, john and joeeeeeeeeeeee, i couldnt believe that the lp
(vinyl)-release of cover magazine hadnt gotten the same complete track set
(13 songs) as the cd release. i am very interested in the 9 min. marble girl
version, but wouldn't buy those tiny shiny silvern yogs called cd. please
give vinyl still a chance, especially for that record and come up with a
re-release of it. the last (bigger) three songs could even be put on a
smaller (12'' somethin') one for not waistin' space ...; or put a few more
on a second ordinary size one, but a least the full cd-release. The best to
you, anyway. Take care, leds! - mrO. P.S. i' ve never found a four clover
leaf in the kilkenny woods ...
- Date: Thu May 16 15:02
J (fruit child large):
- I took a friend to see the above at (I think) the Mean Fiddler. Same
reaction, same deal. Do not use refresh. Mr. P.Kerr, IOU, At some point soon
I'll be burn ready and able to reciprocate. Same to you Mr.Rob S and
Mr.Gillan. Cheers.
- Date: Thu May 16 14:37
matt ()¬¬¬~¬¬¬tracklisting¬¬¬~¬¬¬():
- Cheers Alan!!
- Date: Thu May 16 14:21
Chris (chris_barrett@mac.com):
- Not sure if I knew what to expect from my first GS concert. I saw them at
the Barbican last year after listening to their records for the last decade
and that has to go down as one of the best concerts that I have ever seen,
and there is lot of competition for that title! However, ultimately the
Ocean show has to be classed as a disappointment, and compared to the
Barbican I guess it always was going to be. The main reason was the sound,
someone has already said that it was partly down to due to where you were
stood, and maybe that was so. I stood stock still until I had to run for the
last train before the end of the show (Howe, why did you have to leave Blue
Marble Girl till the encore?), but I also think that the set up was not as
good as it could be, with Howe way down in the mix. The sound for Lincoln
seemed to be far better, but this could be down to the fact that the room
was a lot emptier. But I guess you don't go to see GS hoping for them to
churn out exact replicas of their CD's. And a disappointing GS show is still
riveting.
- Date: Thu May 16 14:18
Rob S (((Ever been Had?))):
- Did not get chance to catch Howe last night in London but did manage to
catch him in Leicester last year. Had been waiting to witness the live
experience for ages and when i did I came away feelin fairly indifferent.
Still goes down as one of the best gigs ive seen as it wasnt what i
expected. Thats the beauty of Howe, never what you expect. Could anybody
have predicted that hed have released cover mag? Its the sheer not knowing
that makes it interesting for me both recorded or in that case live. Long
Live the Gelbster. Peace.Rob S. UK
- Date: Thu May 16 12:53
matt (mel@stylethrashing.co.uk):
- ((((lucky barstewards)))) i dont suppose anyone could be kind enough to
give me the tracklisting for the 1st sandman release (acres of weird) could
they? cheers........
- Date: Thu May 16 12:16
Ian (Back home):
- I just got back from last nights show at Ocean having made a 1200 mile
round trip to see it. I am not too surprised to see that there are differing
views on how good/bad the show was. I enjoyed it but I wouldn't say it was a
vintage performance but I have to agree with those folks who have already
said if you want to see polished corporate rock you chose the wrong band. I
found a large contingent of the audience really irritating as they would not
stop chattering while the band were playing, I dont know if this was
apparent to the band or not. As for the people taking calls on mobile phones
during the show......well I know this message board will not let me use
swear words so I can't express my thoughts on them.
- Date: Thu May 16 12:04
Blaine (@work):
- Interesting bunch of posts, leave it to Howe to rake us up some muck.
Musicianship? Granted I didn't see the gig last night, but were you in the
same room with that drummer and bass player?? Howe's made a real career of
throwing knuckleballs, he's kinda the Jim Bouton of rock. John and Joe's
talent seems sheer intuitive plenty of time. It's a real stretch to consider
their musical talents as less than stellar. As for Howe, his gtr and pno
playing speak for themselves-he plays music with that rare quality called
soul. Sure he gets bored easily and is distracted, but that chaos is half
the charm (for me at least) of the live gigs. I kinda liked the walkman
touch. If I knew they'd just wind up and play the hits, I'd stay at home
w/the records. ...Phil Collins??? where'd that albatross fly in from, more
than quite unexpected. To quote Townes Van Zandt, "If Woody Guthrie
were alive he'd be rolling over in his grave."
- Date: Thu May 16 11:10
danskly (dansky@blueyonder.co.uk):
- Thank you Howe and the gang for the out-of-this world set and encore at
ocean.refreshing to hear moulds changed and the spirit of jazz improv alive
and well.Can't you do more here in uk? How about another intimate night with
us in the Spitz.Nice new cd too...what's your handicap Howe?
- Date: Thu May 16 09:46
jamesa (@blinkenlight.org):
- The encores were huge. A tremendous beat goes on with the crowd learning
rhythm and what John Coltrane would have done without a saxaphone. And howe
leaping round stage mic-ing people. I thought the show was superb,,,,The
Ocean sound was *very* dependent on where you stood. But the musicianship
was great everywhere, organic. I love watching everyone keep up with Howe.
And the thing. You can pay your $$ and get perfect reproductions of sounds
stuck in time. I like to think of them as CDs. I'd rather watch something
different, people enjoying themselves and actually creating.
- Date: Thu May 16 09:26
Pat Goba Bateman (Psycho Street):
- John and Simon...who can forget the effortless and splendid forging of the
seemingly disparate genres ruling the era- country and rock as put forth by
a band called the Eagles. The musical stylings of Frey, Henley, Schmitt,
Meisner, and later Walsh set a high standard for other bands such as Poco
and Firefall. Say, do you like Phil Collins? I've been a big Genesis fan
ever since the release of their 1980 album "Duke". Before that, I
really didn't understand any of their work. Too artsy, too intellectual. It
was on Duke where Phil Collins presence became more apparent. Thank goodness
Peter Gabriel left. I think "Invisible Touch" was the group's
undisputed masterpiece. It's an epic meditation on intangibility. At the
same time, it deepens and enriches the meaning of the preceding three
albums. Listen to the brilliant ensemble playing of Banks, Rutherford and
Collins. You can practically hear every nuance of every instrument. In terms
of lyrical craftsmanship, the sheer songwriting, this album hits a new peak
of professionalism. Sabrina, why don't you dance a little? Take the lyrics
to "Land of Confusion". In this song, Phil Collins addresses the
problems of abusive political authority. "In Too Deep" is the most
moving pop song of the 1980's, about monogamy and commitment. The song is
extremely uplifting. Their lyrics are as positive and affirmative as
anything I've heard in rock. Phil Collins' solo career seems to be more
commercial and therefore more satisfying, in a narrower way. Especially
songs like "In the Air Tonight", and "Against All Odds".
Sabrina, don't just stare at it. But I also think Phil Collins works best
within the confines of the group than as a solo artist, and I stress the
word "artist". "Sussudio", a great, great song, a
personal favorite of mine...
- Date: Thu May 16 09:11
Sean T (Ocean London):
- Wow ! Good to see the comments site is not just people fawning over the
band , but last night was fantastic . To call the band limited , well ? We
took a friend who had never heard a Giant Sand song in her life and she said
that it was one of the most entertaining live shows she'd seen . The Giant
Sand / Gelb experience never has and never will be the "norm" but
that's the point . That's why we love them . The other guys right , if you
want formula and been done a hundred times before stuff , go and see 90% of
what's out there . I saw Howe play a show once and he spent most of the time
reading stuff from Rolling Stone , I'd still put that ahead of a lot of
bands I've been to see . Sean.
- Date: Thu May 16 07:59
Simon (re: Johns comments):
- I have to say I think John is really missing the point. Last night's show
was great. If he wants a really polished show he should go and see The
Eagles and corporate rubbish like that. To say the musicianship was poor is
just astonishing, I think you'd have to search long and har dto find better
musicians anywhere. As for saying that the band weren't interested, that's
just not understanding Howe Gelb. Just because he doesn't roll around on the
floor playing never ending guitar solos like Ryan Adams doesn't mean he
isn't interested. As for comparing it to the Barbiacn, I think that is a
little unfair as that show was a complete one-off.
- Date: Thu May 16 07:26
simon (simonl@mail.com):
- i agree with john. very disppointing, esp. after the very wonderful
barbican show..
- Date: Thu May 16 06:05
John Allum (J.F.Allum@uel.ac.uk):
- Very disappointed with last night's gig at Ocean - one of the worst I've
ever been to. The sound was dreadful and I've seen other stuff at the same
venue, and the sound was great, so you can't blame Ocean. It just felt like
an amateur performance by a group with limited musical skills, who didn't
really give a shit. Howe mumbled a bit into the mike, lurched between guitar
and piano, and only seemed competent at turning his portable CD player on
and off. The songs I knew were scarcely recognisable and very messy - and I
don't mean that they were heavily improvised or alternate versions; they
were just badly executed (I choose the word deliberately). A great shame, I
like the albums, but this was a waste of time and money. My advice: if you
get a chance to see them live, don't bother - they won't.
- Date: Thu May 16 04:18
Ian (igb@simplon.co.uk):
- The Barbican concert was the first time I'd seen Giant Sand. I found the
oblique variations on songs a bit bizarre at that time, but found it
fascinating last night, knowing what to expect. A good knowledge of the
originals was necessary though - a friend who is not familiar with the disks
found it an incomprehensible evening. How's this for bad timing - I was in
LA in March and had to leave at midday on the 30th, missing an appearance by
Howe at Amoeba Records in the afternoon and a concert in the evening. Were
they good?
- Date: Thu May 16 04:17
Ian (igb@simplon.co.uk):
- The Barbican concert was the first time I'd seen Giant Sand. I found the
oblique variations on songs a bit bizarre at that time, but found it
fascinating last night, knowing what to expect. A good knowledge of the
originals was necessary though - a friend who is not familiar with the disks
found it an incomprehensible evening. How's this for bad timing - I was in
LA in March and had to leave at midday on the 30th, missing an appearance by
Howe at Amoeba Records in the afternoon and a concert in the evening. Were
they good?
- Date: Thu May 16 03:56
Shaun h. (Ocean views........):
- ......personally i thought last night was a perfect culmination of
everything that's been brewing over the last decade (and i can only presume
what's come before). Howe looked like an absolute **STAR** up there last
night, and it's great when you can see that the musicians are really having
genuine fun. Mike, sorry i didn't catch you mate, but you were engaged in
conversation w/ a young lady when i showed up, and looked kinda busy at the
end. my memory's shot, but what did we get for the encores?, 'Blue Marble
Girl', a little Johnny Thunders, and a final improvisational flourish from
all on stage, before 'Iron (Walk)Man' ushered us all out, and then a lovely
walk home having missed the last train (now that won't surprise you Mike).
- Date: Thu May 16 02:59
Bryan (...):
- I don't know if there was an encore - I left too, in the hopes of finding
a cab...
- Date: Thu May 16 02:35
Bryan (...):
- I don't know if there was an encore - I left too, in the hopes of finding
a cab...
- Date: Thu May 16 02:07
Bryan (...):
- I don't know if there was an encore - I left too, in the hopes of finding
a cab...
- Date: Thu May 16 02:02
javier (javier_sacarecrow@yahoo.com):
- are you sure it was giant sand what you saw ?. the band i saw vaguely
remind of those great albums; but they were NOT the band i wanted to se
- Date: Thu May 16 02:01
javier (javier_sacarecrow@yahoo.com):
- are you sure it was giant sand what you saw ?. the band i saw vaguely
remind of those great albums; but they were NOT the band i wanted to se
- Date: Thu May 16 01:49
Ian Boyle (igb@simplon.co.uk):
- Yes, great concert. Was there an encore? - I had to leave at 11pm for last
train.
- Date: Thu May 16 01:35
Bryan (back@work):
- Just thought I'd drop by and say that I loved the gig last night at Ocean
- and even got myself a couple of new CDs... Shame it's so far from the
nearest tube, though!
- Date: Wed May 15 14:50
J (sorry to bore you):
- Is anyone else having trouble with the ftp site (orthanc.zender) Despite
my lack of a cd writer I thought I'd download some stuff (with an eye to the
future) I chose the Dutch show from 1986, downloaded 2 songs in a pitifully
(my connection is from (NTHell) Long time with a save to disk prompt, but
then got flecked around with 'external viewer' malarkey. I really don't want
to download 5meg of song to hear once.. any tips? Alternatively could anyone
who has that show (3disks) get in touch for some sort of deal... Thankyou
and I hope 'The Ocean' is swinging as I write jpe67@hotmail.com
- Date: Wed May 15 06:51
Ed (ed_dakla):
- Amazing show in Dublin last night, well worth suffering the sea-sickness
on the way over. Hope Ocean is as good for everyone else tonight
- Date: Tue May 14 17:00
INKED WITH SAND (GHOG220@CS.COM):
- HEY JOB (HATCHY)WONDERING IF YOU HAVE ANY PICS FROM NORTH BY NORTHWEST
SHOW IN PHILLY ?WOULD LOVE TO SEE THEM THAR.NORTH AMERICA FEELS SOMEWHAT
LIGHTER WITHOUT THE MASTER GELB TROMPIN ON OUR GREAT CONTINENT! LATER I MUST
GO AND CUT BA CK THE CREEPERS .ALWAYS LOYAL TO THE BBQ.HEY HOWE ,ENJOY LIFE
OVER THERE WERE ALL THINKIN BOUT YA .PEACE
- Date: Tue May 14 16:03
Job (Hatchy Milatchy Land):
- Tucson grill--eh? Got one of them in my kitchen (it migrates to the yard
come warm weather). We like our chile relanos with lots and lots of cheese
and chiles and we generally make enough to feed a small army. Been a busy
piece since the Philly show, with work and school and finals and final
projects. Got myself a two week break before it's back to the academic
grind. Promised you a couple of pics--I'm working on it. Matter of fact what
I'm gonna do is post 'em on a site along with a bunch of pics of all the big
ones I'm planning on catching this summer and other such scenic things from
back home. Hoping to create a bit of piscatorial envy. Maybe start an itch.
Quite times on the water. Canoes are still there,river still runs (same as
always)and I betcha I can still catch bigger fish than you.
- Date: Tue May 14 13:44
J (aarrrghhh@ i-have to work that night):
- Hope all goes well at the ocean for everyone. 34 isn't old, is 35? Plus,
welcome to Europe Howe and ilk.
- Date: Tue May 14 06:01
christine (same):
- did i get that right? you said "thanks" for looking british ??
but yeah, it's been a great night in flagstaff. definitively thanks for your
kindness! ohhhh, and how good it is to put faces and pictures (and the heat)
to names... it's been a pleasure
- Date: Tue May 14 05:46
christine (geradenoch tucson):
- hey mike! i'd love to have a new old shirt. i'm on my way back to austria
tomorrow (or today) and be in london between gatwick and heathrow for a
short while. you think that could work out?
- Date: Tue May 14 02:24
mike (sa-wa-ro):
- Shaun, Ian or anyone else going to Ocean tomorrow.... come and say hi, me
and Sarah will be on the merchandise stall.... Unsung, Rock Opera, Down
Home, old and (possibly) new T-Shirts for sale at good prices. See you
there.
- Date: Tue May 14 00:18
Ian (Down at the pub):
- Thanks Shaun I will give that a go, It's got to be better than the ones I
was in the last time. Just to reassure you 34 is, I suspect, not very old
for this board.
- Date: Mon May 13 14:25
Shaun H. (this lovely little traditional funky dive is situated
just 5 minutes from the Ocean):
- hey Ian - you heading to Hackney Central train station? if so, as you're
coming down the ramp, look out for the digital clock, which requires you
take a left turn rather than heading out front on to Mare Street, and right
by said clock is a fine little sedate bar i would recommend, if only i could
recall the name. if you're on Mare Street, then all you gotta do is head to
Hackney Central, and just beyond (we're talking 20 feet) take the left turn,
Amhurst Road, and you can reach it that way. i'd buy you a beer if i wasn't
on such a tight schedule myself. cheers nonetheless. (p.s. Paul K. - it must
be me getting old, is 34 old on this site?, but i wasn't waiting outside the
shop on Monday morning (last) to pick up my double dose of Waits, and still
haven't done so - forgive me).
- Date: Mon May 13 13:54
matt (stylethrashing. dot. etc.):
- so howe.....if your europe based for the mean while can we hope to see
more of you?, maybe an appearance at a festival or two this summer?? glasto
maybe??...i think my week will be a good one, unfortunately no sand for me,
but i'll make do with Jim White and my favourite DJ saviour (SHADOW!)
instead, i think i'm quite happy with that :D (wishin a good week to ALL!!!)
- Date: Mon May 13 13:10
goba (hail-battered):
- After reading an interview in a Phoenix paper, my understanding is that
Howe's move to Denmark is for good, as Sofie is Danish and the Euro's treat
G.S./Howe splendidly. Never got to see him in Tucson. Maybe Denmark =
summer, Arizona = winter? I got around to listening to Wilco...the new
release, something "Foxtrot Hotel". I really like it...listened to
it all weekend.
- Date: Mon May 13 11:59
Ian (550 miles from London):
- Can anyone down there in the Big Smoke suggest a decent pub within a
reasonable distance of Ocean for a pre gig beer on Wednesday night. Last
time I went to Ocean, Patti Smith about a year ago, I tried a few watering
holes in the vicinity but they really were holes.I am not being fussy I just
want a beer and a pleasant atmosphere where I don't have to worry about the
other drinkers cutting my throat to get my loose change.
- Date: Mon May 13 11:37
e (m):
- **Well, hi and bye. the week is still far worse than the weekend in my
opinion. Is Howe toying with the idea of retreating into a long long exhile
in which he grows a longer, pointier beard and makes sculptures out of
melted objects?? I hope not but it does sound kinda cool.
- Date: Mon May 13 08:46
james s (in alabama):
- so Howe, trying to decide if it's time to leave Tucson and, in deed, the
whole U. S. of A.? Appealing idea, really. Retire? Hummm. Maybe it's about
time for a new State of the Union address. As for a dylan cover, what's that
jazzy little piano number on New Morning? That might be a good 'un.
- Date: Mon May 13 08:25
Ed (ed_dakla@yahoo.co.uk):
- Don't know about the Dylan covers, maybe 'it takes a train to laugh' but i
saw Dylan in Manchester last Thur. night and tomorrow morning it's a train
and ferry to Dublin, for the show at Vicar Street (and some Guinness).
Here's to 2 brilliant shows in 6 days
- Date: Mon May 13 07:43
Manny (Howe does Dylan):
- I'd love to hear Howe or Giant Sand do a cover of "Angelina" I
think it would fit. A version of "Just Like Tom Thumbs Blues"
would be well sculpted by them also. Manny
- Date: Mon May 13 03:04
howe (home ?????):
- hey. this place aintso bad. i found a lovely lil french cafe that will
serve as the tucson grill this summer....except with french food instead of
tater tots.....hi woody...yo mat..... they'll trade me one meal for every
song. i love the tradition in that..... plus its just around the corner from
here, which is what is needed during the summer drag a long. a place to grow
older.....with french wine and a mic boom. a place to wax at the wane of
moon. very leonard cohen i know. so if your in the hood......meanwhile,
dub-land tomorrow night.....will be good to get a dose of that. be well.
howe
- Date: Mon May 13 03:03
howe (home ???):
- hey. this place aintso bad. i found a lovely lil french cafe that will
serve as the tucson grill this summer....except with french food instead of
tater tots.....hi woody...yo mat..... they'll trade me one meal for every
song. i love the tradition in that..... plus its just around the corner from
here, which is what is needed during the summer drag a long. a place to grow
older.....with french wine and a mic boom. very leonard cohen i know. so if
your in the hood......meanwhile, dub-land tomorrow night.....will be good to
get a dose of that. be well. howe
- Date: Sun May 12 15:39
paul (ssss):
- There's an interview with Howe on the Captain America show on Virgin Radio
tonight, 10 -12 pm. GMT. on the net at http://www.captainamericaradio.com/
- Date: Sun May 12 02:27
Tommy Gailer (greyhoundscroller):
- A new Chuck Prophet is out ("No other love")by the way...hey
everybody from southest germany: Greyhound Soul are heading the Pfleghofsaal
in Langenau (north-east of Ulm)at May the 30nth (thursday)...i enjoyed them
a year ago and they are worth the drive! Great Live-Band!
- Date: Sat May 11 19:18
tom (kommenichtzuspät):
- I began driving ten days ago across my part of the world. At night driving
through Germany I stumbled unto a radioshow dedicated to Chuck Prophet. In
Verona, Italy I picked up 'Alice' and 'Blood money' by Tom Waits (after
about 15 times listening to both, i prefer Alice, and that's just a gut
feeling, as I find Blood Money evenworthy). I listened to 'Ah Um' by Mr
Mingus in a lousy hotelroom in Trieste. In Venice I was too busy getting
lost and when I finally arrived in Slovenia I found a Dutch piece of
newspaper that was bound to be found by a guy like me with an item on Patti
Smith, the article didn't learn me much new but I kept the paper just for
the pictures that accompanied it. Anyone any comments on the new Waits
albums ?? This may , theoreticaly, not be the place for the question, but
whatever.. Peace to all Sandpeople.
- Date: Fri May 10 16:47
Mitch (85719):
- Or Howe doing covers of Giant Sand songs. Or Steve Howe doing covers of
Howe Gelb songs...he could call it Howe On Howe. All right, maybe not. I'm
outta here good folks. Have a great weekend.
- Date: Fri May 10 16:35
PaulK (whatnot):
- How about Dylan doing an album of Sand covers?
- Date: Fri May 10 16:18
J ( Zimmer man covers):
- 'Up to me' please Mr.Gelb
- Date: Fri May 10 15:23
Mitch (85719):
- "Foot Of Pride" would be my pick...or "What Was It You
Wanted".
- Date: Fri May 10 14:01
jamesagain (-):
- london. before anyone gets unduly excited.
- Date: Fri May 10 13:59
jamesa (james@blinkenlight.org):
- i'm not sure it's right to go breaking other peoples news, but wayahead
have Howe down as playing Thrill Jockey's 10th Birthday showdown at the
Ocean in September. A whole Sunday. And likely to be very popular given
Tortoise and Sea and Cake are also down.
- Date: Fri May 10 08:15
Blaine (@work):
- Good choice, I'd lean toward Desire/Rolling Thunder-era as well. Maybe
Hurricane or One More Cup of Coffee? Susan Voelz violin in CHI was a pretty
cool part of the music.
- Date: Fri May 10 07:49
james s (not gone yet):
- my dylan cover votes go to "Ballad of a Thin Man", or "Dear
Landlord."
- Date: Fri May 10 07:28
graham (down in the flood):
- My votes for the Giant Sand family contribution to Uncut's Dylan disc:
Calexico doing "Senor (Tales of Yankee Power)", Howe doing a solo
take (overdubbing himself on piano and acoustic) on either "Dirge"
or "Blind Willie McTell" and a smoldering Giant Sand take of
"Seven Days", with gypsy violin accompaniment (anybody else think
"Sage Advice" sounds like a long-lost Desire outtake?).
- Date: Fri May 10 04:01
mike (work (yuk!!)):
- uncut had already wanted to use emmylou's version of 'every grain of
sand'..... i also thought they could have used 'patsy does dylan' from
"long stem rant".
- Date: Fri May 10 01:34
mel blaney (Mel.Blaney@dfpni.gov.uk):
- can't get to dublin-why not belfast?
- Date: Thu May 9 20:07
e (m):
- *I for one would like to hear 'moonlight'
- Date: Thu May 9 16:11
paulk (@):
- Yeh, well, the Uncut CDs would have benefitted immensely from some Sand
addition although given Howe's admiration of the song Every Grain of Sand
might have been better than Watchtower (or even better, a new exclusive,
never before, step right up, unavailable elsewhere, exclusive (i already
said that) new cover. Of what, eh, what Dylan song could they do, a raggedy
ass Subterranean Homesick Blues or a glummish Visions of Johanna? i'm sure
that Howe could turn lay Lady Lay into aural honey. Mike, you lucky, lucky
ba******, sound like you had a whale of a time, any photos? And shaun, just
settling into the new Waits, Alice first, any comments? That link for the
paisley Underground article also has a review of the Sandmen at the Knitting
factory,at http://popmatters.com/music/concerts/g/giant-sand-020412.shtml
paul maybe they could cover sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands, or Isis or when I
Paint My Masterpiece or can You
please.....................................................................
- Date: Thu May 9 14:36
james s (Re: blain):
- Well, ok ok! If you insist! Ok, enought of this. I'm out of here for ten
days (and there was much rejoicing).
- Date: Thu May 9 14:24
Blain (@work):
- James, I'll trade the e for the missing s. FYI -- popmatters.com has a
neat little article on the much-lamented Paisley Underground.
- Date: Thu May 9 14:01
james s (re: blainee):
- I consulted the crystal ball here on the comments board and it told me
that you could not make the trade. You have no S and two Es. sorry.
- Date: Thu May 9 13:51
Blain (@work):
- James, I'll trade the e for the missing s. FYI -- popmatters.com has a
neat little article on the much-lamented Paisley Underground.
- Date: Thu May 9 12:54
james s (apologies):
- sorry for the nonsense and rubbish today, folks. I'm just feeling a bit
giddy today because I'm about to begin my vacation. Badly needed!
- Date: Thu May 9 12:36
james s (re:blainee (thought I'd give you an extra e for a change
of pace)):
- Yes, I asked him to consult the crystal ball here on the comments board
and he said he would and then he began telling be about the swarms of dunken
bees in arizona.
- Date: Thu May 9 12:17
Blaine (@work):
- ...and you told him to ask the crytal ball here on the Comments site?
- Date: Thu May 9 08:08
james s (you got any of them "dunken" killer bees coming
up from mexico way?):
- "strange" beer? I had a dream that I was at a party and met a
young guy from tucson, so, of course, I ask him if he's heard of Giant Sand
and I'm astonished and saddened when he say's "nope", so, I tell
him that Giant Sand has been making killer bees, no, killer records out of
tucson for twenty or so years now and he says, "let's go listen to
one", and I wake up from the dream in the stressful mindwarp of trying
to decide which ONE album to play to make this fellow a convert.
- Date: Thu May 9 04:50
Sean T (Drunken Bees):
- Thanks J C , I'll have a look . I've ordered the VHS .
- Date: Thu May 9 00:30
JC Brochard (Dunken Bees again):
- The proper link to the Drunken Bees dialogue in French is of course
different than the english one :
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/vivonzeureux/Pages/drunkenbee2.html JC
- Date: Thu May 9 00:28
JC Brochard (jc.brochard@wanadoo.fr):
- Re : Drunken Bees. The best is probably to check Marianne Dissard's
website (she directed Drunken Bees) :
http://www.dakotacom.net/~marianne/englishsite/films/db/db.html The whole of
the dialogues are still available on my site :
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/vivonzeureux/Pages/drunkenbee3.html and even in
french : http://perso.wanadoo.fr/vivonzeureux/Pages/drunkenbee3.html JC
(http://perso.wanadoo.fr/vivonzeureux)
- Date: Wed May 8 22:24
Mitch (85719):
- Patti, so glad you're enjoying Clark CDs--it was quite an undertaking but
an enjoyable one. Just so much great music and so hard to find. And Mike,
let me know if you need any of that "strange" beer shipped across
the Atlantic. You can ship beer, right?
- Date: Wed May 8 18:36
on (that is):
- , em
- Date: Wed May 8 18:35
e (m):
- **Mike! that sucks! I was hoping GS would be part of the dylan covers
thing. They should put it one next one to make up for the current
boringness. I feel jipped.
- Date: Wed May 8 16:19
mike (.......what!! again?):
- paul, that dylan uncut cd was supposed to have the gs version of
'watchtower' - i sent them the track.... must've come too late, certainly
better than some of the tracks on there.
- Date: Wed May 8 16:15
mike (ps):
- to those that joined the sandman tree over the last three weeks, and those
that have mailed me who are having difficulties in getting the releases -
i'll be doing an update over the weekend - i haven't forgotten.
- Date: Wed May 8 16:07
mike (back home and thank tanking):
- well....holiday over now and i'd like to thank all those that made it
probably one of the best ever... and certainly the best 50th birthday i've
ever had. so, in no particular order, thanks howe for making time to make us
feel at home in what was a busy and frantic time for you.... joey for
organising the meal, picking up the drinks tab and the flagstaff show...
john - sorry you couldn't make it, but we wished you happy b as well....
mitch and peter for showing us such friendship and strange beers and bars...
and gene clark... jim and celia for the kxci tour and cdr collection -
congrats to both of you... bill for the key to bisbee (there's a couple of
beers in the fridge for you)... patti and patti's mum and familia for the
party we wished we'd stayed at - great food, music and company.... rudy,
gabe and lily - great to meet you, and rudy... see you when you're over with
calexico.... rich hopkins - hey amigo, what happened to brunch??.... mike
davis and angela for the spiffing tiffin and good to meet al perry, and st.
john - how's 'the rumble' coming along?.... dave seger and john venet -
sorry we didn't get to talk as much as i'd hoped, i'll email you
later....ernie mendoza - sarah still wants a ride on that harley.... lucinda
williams for 'the farm'.... libre de grasa for the meal and cd...tom
wallbank for a great show and an english voice - give rosa a biscuit from
us.... marrianne, good to meet you at last, under the sign of the grill....
the desert museum - shaun h, i can't believe you walked all that way!!!....
dave slutes, naked prey and the mariachi convention - sorry we missed you...
cafe poco cosa (big and small) - howe was right about the chilli
rellenos..... la indita for the cheese crisp and el minuto for the
flautas... the congress for the sleepless mornings... the grill for great
breakfasts and shows.... ron nicholas for getting us an upgrade on the way
out....kay - good news about the calexico photos.... christine for picking
me out of a crowd 'cause i looked 'british'!!......... and and and and oh
you must all be bored by now with all this name dropping so i'll just shut
up. thanks everyone.... and especially to sarah, who makes my life as good
as it is.... xxxx
- Date: Wed May 8 15:25
Drew (dwiberg@mac.com):
- I was wondering if Giant Sand or any of its incarnations will EVER visit
Milwaukee, WI. Cmon, Beer, Museums, Great local venues (Shank Hall!!!! Right
next to my house :), great crowds, many fans here. Think about it.
- Date: Wed May 8 15:21
paulK (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):
- The latest Uncut magazine has a Dylan special with various folkniks
choosing and describing their favourite Dylan songs in order to compile a
top 40 (kind of like the Giant Sand poll, some interesting results there
with the Giant Songs CDs showing up and a poor showing for Giant Sandwich).
Anyway, the article is introduced by our man Howe who describes a brief
encounter with Mr. Zimmerman. Howe's favourite Dylan is Every Grain of Sand.
Paul
- Date: Wed May 8 14:09
patti (yes its me):
- Mitch, just want to say thank you again for the Gene Clark c'd's you put
together..... very stunning and beautiful. I cant stop listening to them.
Hope your all well and happy. love to all. Patti
- Date: Wed May 8 11:54
james s (not Tuscany ):
- uh, that's "Tucson". Isn't the woman who shot the movie the same
woman in the Calexico music video.
- Date: Wed May 8 10:32
caveman (nonameguitarssledelevatormusicspitcorridoroflove):
- Sean, Drunkin Bees is really cool.............It's Howe and co. hanging
around Tucson jammin' & talkin'. It's worth the price. It's got some
cool footage of Rainer.
- Date: Wed May 8 10:28
james s (quote pulled from the tuscon weekly on drunken bees):
- "Marianne Dissard's new half-hour documentary about Giant Sand,
Tucson's own beloved alternarock icons. Dissard made a pilgrimage all the
way from France to make this documentary about her favorite band, and her
video has all the unpredictable, do-it-yourself spontaneity of the music
itself. Dissard manages to take the mundane details of her subjects'
lives--like sitting on a stoop, fending off a drunken rambler--and transform
them into a fairy tale about artistic creation."
- Date: Wed May 8 10:20
e (M):
- *I don't know anything about drunken bees but I just thought I'd give a
late good morning and so on and so forth. Hope everyone's day is a good day.
- Date: Wed May 8 10:08
rosa (walbanktom@hotmail.com):
- Dear Howe,WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF guinea hens WOOF BARK WHINE weird
english guy on a bicycle WOOF WOOFWOOFWOOF danish dog biscuits WOOF
WOOFwoofWOOF all your barrio buddys say howdy WOOF WOOF rosa x
- Date: Wed May 8 08:11
Sean T (Drunken Bees):
- Can anyone tell me what the Drunken Bees film is ? I've seen it for sale
and have not heard of it. Thanks Sean.
- Date: Tue May 7 14:25
bernd (//athome):
- Hi. I´d like to thank everybody involved for the pedalless thing....many
thanks to howe for these great shows. ,......, Did anyone here see the
documentary : road to freedom ? Tom Waits apears two times, alone in a
garage singing traditionals and playing guitar/banjo. And kicks a tambourine
w/his feet. Two children watching him through a dirty window....I am looking
foreward to listen to his new albums.....
- Date: Tue May 7 11:14
poot looking for boston show (poitrasm@norwich.edu):
- There was a Rob who said he may be getting the recent GS boston show. If
he or anyone else has a copy, and would like to trade or something, please
e-mail me. SOrry about using this forum for the request, but I'm not sure of
other routes. Thanks. Poot
- Date: Tue May 7 05:05
ha_rakiri (ha_rakiri@hotmail.com):
- hey how, right or wrong, does it mean you started acting ---- or do u mean
to b a traveller between worlds...? The old man and his guitar See the
candle light burning in a cabin not so far from a river wild, that's
friendly as a child, to an old man and his guitar. Spends each lonely night
just wishing on some long forgotten star dreamin' dreams until only dreams
seem real to an old man and his guitar. Rememberin' loves, rememberin'
springs so many loves, so many springs but there was one he loved the best
she made him soon forget the rest. His hands that once played only magic now
where the sting of times crewel scars BUT ALL HIS SONGS AREN'T SUNG THE BEST
IS YET TO COME for an old man and his guitar. not, that i think you are old
- that's been your suggestion - but if that, what your mirror resembles
means an analogy to inspired lyrics,
miracles-and-answers-at-the-same-time-worlds, it's right.
- Date: Tue May 7 04:58
ha_rakiri (ha_rakiri@hotmail.com):
- hey how, right or wrong, does it mean you started acting ---- or do u mean
to b a traveller between worlds...? The old man and his guitar See the
candle light burning in a cabin not so far from a river wild, that's
friendly as a child, to an old man and his guitar. Spends each lonely night
just wishing on some long forgotten star dreamin' dreams until only dreams
seem real to an old man and his guitar. Rememberin' loves, rememberin'
springs so many loves, so many springs but there was one he loved the best
she made him soon forget the rest. His hands that once played only magic now
where the sting of times crewel scars BUT ALL HIS SONGS AREN'T SUNG THE BEST
IS YET TO COME for an old man and his guitar. not, that i think you are old
- that's been your suggestion - but if that, what your mirror resembles
means an analogy to inspired lyrics,
miracles-and-answers-at-the-same-time-worlds, it's right.
- Date: Tue May 7 04:36
this message will slef distruct with wealths of glue (glue glue
glue stuck on the sticker):
- what gig? please let me knowlage i agree about mirrors its a bad day when
you wake up and its ule brunner looking back christ its the big bird yellow
and peril
- Date: Mon May 6 20:02
Mitch (85719):
- Howe, at least you're seeing someone in the mirror, even if it is Lee
Hazlewood. Better that, I suppose, than Senor Wences. Anyway, hope Denmark
is treating you fairly. And Sarah, just know carnita platters and stuffed
chiles await yours and Mike's next visit. It was good good fun, but a
serious drag for Peter and I to focus back on work once your visit
concluded. Did you get some melatonian for the jet-lag?
- Date: Mon May 6 15:51
john (jomireyn3@yahoo.com):
- ok, so I'm a Giant Sand fan in Florida (where it seems like they've never
ever played - too much humidity? ), who got a (decent but not so great
sounding cassette) copy of the UpsideDownHome Barbican show from a German
lady who's a heavy duty Vic Chesnutt fan living in England and now I'm
making a copy of it for a Czech guy (I think) living in France who's big
time into PJ Harvey. I don't know, but he may want to make a copy for a
friend from Brazil living in Thailand who loves Sparklehorse or Evan Dando,
so can anyone direct me to or send me a copy of the names of songs that were
played that night? I know all the GS ones and have figured out the Evan
Dando ones, I think, but I only know the Vic Chesnutt songs that he sings
with brute ( and not even the new brute record yet ) and nothing at all by
the rest. So has anyone here heard the new brute record and how come it took
me so long to realize that the guy from Lambchop has the same name as one of
the X-Men?
- Date: Mon May 6 11:58
graham (.):
- Dropping into my chair for a first listen to Down Home 2000 (arrived this
weekend--brilliant--thanks, Howe) Saturday night when it hit me: OW OM is
DOWN HOME minus the D and N and H and E. Also Home and Howe line up beneath
each other in mirror image (the intricacies never end). Might this be the
origin of the label's name, or am I looking too hard? Is this common
knowledge I'm just stumbling upon? Did I leave the iron on?
- Date: Mon May 6 11:03
Blaine (@work):
- RE: Radio, Radio -- It is getting more and more difficult to find good
stuff on the airwaves. If you have a local station that does them annoying
pledge drives it really is in yr best interest to kick in. Up until a week
ago we had an amazing jazz station here in MKE - no fusion, no Kenny G, just
the real deal and djs to match the music. People would comment on how they
couldn't find anything comaprable in larger cities. Last week the plug got
pulled. I'll groan b/c it was my station of choice. We do have a good
college station, but each 3 hour block's personality depends on the dj
(nothing wrong with that sort of schizophrenia most of the time). And they
do have local bands play in the studio during pledge weeks (we are scheduled
for Sat), and the djs welcome touring acts to pop in and plug their gig (FYI
at Howe or anyone coming to Milwaukee). Howe -- some velvet mornings it just
looks that way. BRMC - well I got to the gig late and missed them which
won't happen again. ************ Trivia: I once asked Mr. Wynn if "Tell
Me When It's Over" was influenced by "Glory", He said no but
the fade on "Halloween" was a "Marquee Moon" ref.
- Date: Mon May 6 09:45
e (mm):
- I think Howe's been eating the Jiffy Squid.
- Date: Mon May 6 08:35
Blaine (@work):
- RE: Radio, Radio -- It is getting more and more difficult to find good
stuff on the airwaves. If you have a local station that does them annoying
pledge drives it really is in yr best interest to kick in. Up until a week
ago we had an amazing jazz station here in MKE - no fusion, no Kenny G, just
the real deal and djs to match the music. People would comment on how they
couldn't find anything comaprable in larger cities. Last week the plug got
pulled. I'll groan b/c it was my station of choice. We do have a good
college station, but each 3 hour block's personality depends on the dj
(nothing wrong with that sort of schizophrenia most of the time). And they
do have local bands play in the studio during pledge weeks (we are scheduled
for Sat), and the djs welcome touring acts to pop in and plug their gig (FYI
at Howe or anyone coming to Milwaukee). Howe -- some velvet mornings it just
looks that way. BRMC - well I got to the gig late and missed them which
won't happen again. ************ Trivia: I once asked Mr. Wynn if "Tell
Me When It's Over" was influenced by "Glory", He said no but
the fade on "Halloween" was a "Marquee Moon" ref.
- Date: Mon May 6 08:25
nick (clearchanneling):
- i'm glad to see that clear channel is becoming exposed for the monopoly it
is. remember after sept. 11 the list of songs they suggested their
"djs" not play? including "imagine" by j. lennon?
another, probably related, issue is the impending death of internet
radio...royalties congress are trying to impose are too high for small time
stations to pay, and they must keep track of all information about the
listeners (ip addresses and the like). i for one want to keep hope
alive--internet radio is one way to support free thinkers of musics. here is
one site: saveinternetradio.org tons of information, easy ways to write your
elected officials, lists of webcasters...stick it to the man...
- Date: Mon May 6 01:22
sarah(webmaster mike b's missus) (sarah@sa-wa-ro.com):
- back home in uk (not sure what my mirror resembles !!) jet-lagged out
after a fantastic holiday in Arizona (mainly Tucson). My thanks to all those
that made it special........Howe, Joey, John, Mitch, Peter, Mike, Angela,
Patti, Rich, Jim, Celia........and everyone else we met on our travels. I'm
sure Mike will be adding his own words but he's sleeping off the jet lag at
the mo. Mitch & Peter missing the chilli rellenos already !!
- Date: Mon May 6 00:43
howe (home?):
- i woke up in denmark....and the mirror is begining to resemble lee
hazlewood. that is just not right. is that right ???
- Date: Sun May 5 14:08
e (m):
- The 'JIFFY SQUID'??? I don't care what they're selling; i'm THERE.
- Date: Sun May 5 11:31
Mitch (85719):
- Ah, James, happy Cinco de Mayo to you and yours. Think it'll be a carne
asada burrito or two at Nico's Taco Shack for us.
- Date: Sun May 5 11:15
james s (Cinco de Mayo):
- Trade your Sapporo for the Mexican cerveza of your choice. Mexican food
today, people. Tommorow, you can all meet me in Memphis for some seafood at
the Jiffy Squid.
- Date: Sat May 4 02:40
Mitch (85719):
- Hi, Jukebox. Didn't get a chance to see the Moyers' segment or hear the
NPR piece, but the seeds of what you speak of were firmly planted during
Ronald Reagan's years in the White House. So what becomes lost is the
regional distinctions on the airwaves, which are now mostly replaced by
satellite beamed sources that play the same stuff (with a few local DJs
hired on to do a few hours of local stuff in the morning, evening, etc.).
Here in Tucson we do have a few alternatives: KXCI & on-again/off-again
pirate radio. If Jim Blackwood is reading this, I'd be very interested to
get his thoughts and opinions on this subject. Now, to appease the
ever-lovable but grumpy Pissed, I wanted to say a few things about
UnsungGLUM. A while back a few folks grumbled that the flow of the original
Glum release was lost in the sequencing of the new version. Can't argue with
that. However, I did like that the unheard songs (including the fantastic
"Occupy") were put into the mix rather than tagged on at the very
end as "bonus tracks". Not sure if this release was meant to fully
replace the Glum we all know and have, but instead presented an overall
sense of the sessions, with the odd ends and lost ends included. Of course,
for those seeking the sense of the original Glum, the original sequencing
can be programmed with most if not all CD players--plus someone can slip the
"new" songs into that sequence as they see fit. I agree, Pissed,
"Iron Man" on Cover is just great--though I still lean toward
"Beat Goes On" as my favorite. On to my second Sapporo...
- Date: Sat May 4 01:58
the jukebox phantom (smarimba@aol):
- did anybody watch the bill moyers segment on pbs recently or even hear the
equivelent on npr concerning CLEARCHANEL(out of texas HMMMMMMM?) radio
conglomerate recently? what it boils down to is that since the federal radio
comition, or whatever they are called, deregulated how many radio stations a
conglomerate can own, clearchanel has gobbled up thousands of radio stations
all around the county. in doing so, they have opened big conglomerates of
corperate pre-programed radio headquarter of 4-5 stations of genre specic
radio stations, with out djs or any form of life for that matter. they have
essentially established a solidified monoply over the u.s. airwaves. they
are strong-arming the competition like a heavy bankrolled poker player.
other radio stations are finding it hard to afford news broadcasts and even
the labor costs of djs! not only have they established monopolies over radio
stations, they have monopolized the music promotion industry. if any other
promoter tries to contract any fair sized music act, they outbid them
essentialy running them out of business. and by doing so, the are pretty
much dictating who and whonot is going to survive in the music biz. i
believe in competive and fair business practices, but to me this is neither
competetive nor fair business. there are reasons that monopolies are
regulated in this country. there have already have been lawsuits payed off
out of court $$, and action taken. now is the time for all music lovers and
livers to act. but i must say the damage has been done. clearchanel may
possibly be chipped apart, but it is too big and too established for it to
be reregulated. sorry for the long rant!
- Date: Fri May 3 19:41
e (mm):
- Yeah, james..funny how that happens.
- Date: Fri May 3 17:35
pissed (get on with IT):
- get back to some G.S.chat instead of scrappin like a bunch of P---y"s
i for one just recieved my cover magazine 3 day;s out and still tryin to axe
Pic my fav. track probable gonna say at this point iron man its so crazy
relax back splash esp. with the gutter rain ---INKED STILL OUT HERE harp
most esp. like trak 11 the best
- Date: Fri May 3 08:27
james s (good wishes and good news):
- I'd like to toss out a big happy birthday to master Mike B., if slightly
belated. Good news, Em; it's friday again.
- Date: Thu May 2 13:28
Alan ((over under sideways down)):
- Trey: I'm pretty sure we agree on most things, my stress on the
overpop/cons issue as outcome rather than cause probably comes from the
frequency with which I run into the opposite perspective. In re:
Consilience... I tend to fall more towards the Levins, Lewontin, and Gould
spectrum when it comes to the unity of science(s). Keep fightin' the good
fight. BTW: BRMC has taken me right back to Thin White Rope, Chuck Prophet
and Television... I remember a review in the NYTimes in the early '80s when
Robert Palmer argued that the dual guitar attack of so much of the LA-,
Davis-, and SF-based "paisley underground" (yeah, yeah, no better
than alt-country as a moniker...) was all an (unacknowledged) attempt to
reproduce Marquee Moon. Well, maybe, but the review introduced me to
Television, the Dream Syndicate, Danny and Dusty, True West and beyond. What
joy, and I'm forever been in Palmer's debt as a result (and later he showed
me the way to The Fall!). Jeez, I LOVED his History of Rock and Roll on PBS
(even though it really petered out once it reached the mid-80s), esp. the
Motown, Stax and Mussel Shoals segment wherein multiple races, middle class
African-American artistic strategies, and highly gendered marketing are
shown to be at the root of what we all know know to be the most
African-American of pop musics.
- Date: Thu May 2 11:20
james s (q&a):
- anybody seen/heard Mike Watt (w/Spot) on his current tour? He's playing
here tonight. I hear it's an organ thing. Hummm.
- Date: Thu May 2 10:56
goba (stripey):
- I've had BRMC, Strokes, White Stripes and Trail of the Dead in heavy
rotation for several months. White Stripes is the champion.
- Date: Thu May 2 10:34
matt (BRMC):
- i have to agree, i am lovin the brmc album, whats the opinion hereabouts
on the strokes? i avoided them cos of =the hype for too long, eventually
took the plunge and found myself unable to remove is this it? from my car
stereo. (i think it is.)
- Date: Thu May 2 10:00
matt (is that elvis costello?):
- i'll stop and say hi next time glue sniffer,mill does have eyes of a hawk
(and the memory of an elephant) hows things, what town you livin in at the
time present? i bet you're goin to see the sand on the 15th huh? wish i had
time to go, but alas no time for a trip to London village for me, HOWE, come
back soon.......(and theres more to the uk than just London u no)...... em-i
must be lucky neither my weeks nor weekends are yuckky, infact can it really
be nearly friday again already???????????????~
- Date: Thu May 2 05:50
treygoba (out there):
- No offense taken Alan. Here's my short and sweet. I agree with you mostly.
It's absolutely silly that we expect to obtain viable solutions to seemingly
intractable problems only using one of the human problem solving domains
(humanities (which I'll separate from the arts), the arts, spirituality, and
empiricism). They all address the human condition using different avenues.
All are important for answering questions. I really emphasize in my classes
that w/o addressing profound societal issues, it really doesn't matter
whether we have "scientific" evidence as to causation. We know
that the #1 way to redress pop. growth is gender equity/education/increasing
complexity/stability of economic systems (w/o overexploiting functional
ecosystems). The mish/mash of distribution of wealth is major roadblock.
Various cultures/religions/governments can't agree about degrees of freedom
(ignore this usage of d.f. all of you statisticians). Thus we need to see
through solutions via several domains. I disagree with you that
overpop./overconsumption are the result and not the cause. It's both a
result of our "dominion" and a cause of our dominion over
nature...the two are a two- headed monster. What I find annoying/disturbing
with policy-makers/public at large is that the issue
(overpop./overconsumption) is seldom recognized. The only domain that seems
to pay much heed is the realm of science. Regarding how much freedom/choice
humans will ultimately settle for is up to the degree to which we yank cogs
out of ecosystem machinery. BTW Alan- You sound as if you need a good book
to read/reread over the summer..."Consilience-The Unity of
Knowledge" by E.O. Wilson.
- Date: Wed May 1 18:07
poot (adobe abode):
- Tom, thanks for the recommendation. Art Of Travel sounds really good. The
urge to get outta town has been growing lately. Head out to Portland, or
make that long drive down to Graceland (His Kingly Cave). The only thing I
can recommend right now is the Dylan/Cash outtakes bootleg, from the
Nashville Skyline sessions(I do believe). OH ,and a Muppet vhs tape: Country
Music W/ The Muppets. Loretta Lynn, Roger Miller, Mr. Cash. All playing with
muppets. It's incredible, if you can find it. - P.
- Date: Wed May 1 17:17
tom ((Labour day first of May)):
- nice rant, Alan. It's to late 'round here for me to become evolutionary
philosophical, but well placed comment anyhow. On BRMC : good rock and good
roll, as in other bands the likes of And you will know us by the trail of
dead, McClusky, Ikara Colt and Desaparecidos. I have been listening
continuously for four days to Charles Mingus' "Live at Antibes",
with Booker Ervin on tenor, Ted Curson on trump, Dolphy on alto and bariton
and mr. Richmond on drums. In the meanwhile I read 'Art of Travel' by de
Botton. Anyone who has ever travelled, with or without companion, to
'another place' will ponder on what the writer reflects upon. I'm off to
Verona, Trieste and the North-East of Slovenia. Ready to reflect. Peace and
love to all of you.
- Date: Wed May 1 14:14
Alan (shivering in May):
- Blaine: I saw Spiritualized last Saturday and I, too, thought the lights
pretty darned cool. My problem was that I thought the music never got to
where it should have been going. I kept hearing good ideas go unfinished and
song structures being demolished without creativity (it all seemed so
"practiced" (almost like, but nowhere near as bad as, Fripp and
his band of crifty crafty robots ten years ago)-- or at least so it seemed
to me. I was really kinda disappointed becuase I have always loved Spaceman
3, and never go to see them live. On the other hand, and to be as honest as
we all seek to be, I had gone to the show primarily for Black Rebel
Motorcycle Club... and loved their set. Am really looking foward to
watching, and listening to, them grow. BTW: In re: the conversation about
zoos, etc. Good sociologist (of agriculture, environment and sci/tech) that
I am, my one reservation about Trey's comments are that (over)population is
not a cause as much as it is a result. The flip side of the zoo-ification of
flora and fauna is the displacement of human beings, communities and
cultures from the lands and implements that used to sustain them. It is this
process, particularly combined with wage labor and commodified forms of need
satisfaction that leads to the most "unregulated" population
growth. Without attributing these kinds of positions to Trey, et al., in
almost all cases, overpopulation arguments have a tendency to fall into
"there are too many poor people over there" and "there is too
much consumption around here." Addressing population issues without an
analysis of gender-power (not to mention North-South) relations and
addressing overconsumption without asking questions about how
"free"(?) "we"(?) are to choose what we consume (and
what the socio-political consequences of the economic crisis that would
follow markedly reduced consumption would be) is to stress the purportedly
scientific facts of the case without addressing the social conditions that
generate those facts. My apologies for the little rant, it has been a long
semester.
- Date: Wed May 1 11:37
Blaine (@work):
- FYI -- saw Spiritualized last night. Very impressive live, great sound and
cool lights.
- Date: Wed May 1 08:29
james s (NH):
- Ok, everybody, make a pilgramage to Merry Mount today and have a dance
around the maypole. You too, Elvis.
- Date: Wed May 1 07:48
hound dog hights (heart brake hotle):
- yes twas i in said pub but could not see for thee trees. large nquanities
all round. kiss me hardey
- Date: Wed May 1 07:45
ELVIS (Graceland):
- uh yea hound dog cheese
- Date: Tue Apr 30 20:09
em ((also Matt, to clarify, ):
- weeks in general, compared to weekends, are somewhat yuckier.
- Date: Tue Apr 30 20:03
e (m):
- **Can't say, Matt-It's only Tuesday. You?
- Date: Tue Apr 30 15:37
matt (~@?giving style a thrashing in the uk"£^):
- bad week, em?
- Date: Tue Apr 30 13:49
jpr (@ the remote sands of wilco):
- i posted a sentence some time ago about giant sand and wilco being bands
from differents planets. while listening to the new wilco album for the
sixth time in a row, i'll have to answer the question whether you would like
wilco if you liked sand this way: i'm pretty sure you'd like the new wilco
if you like the newer howe solo recordings. bits and nice melodies coming
and going within one song. still valid: wilco's by far more produced and
'hi-fi'. does that help? not really, probably.
- Date: Mon Apr 29 23:05
Rob S ((())):
- Well, just got back from All Tomorrows Parties here in the UK. What a
weekend. Had a beer with Bonnie Prince Billy, hassled Ryan Murphy from Drag
City records about Pavements last great album, one of my number partook in a
liquid lunch with Mark E Smith and we had our own personal magic show
courtesy of David Lovering ex pixies drummer, went 3 rounds with Shellac who
blew everyone away. Every band superb, Plush, Low, Dead Moon, Wire, Nina
Nastacia(lovely lady), Danielson Famile, Rachels(kristian from Rachels
telling me the best way to deal with Albini should i come across him).
Bonnie Prince played Arise Therefore in completion.Melt Banana came on like
wired cats, Breeders were amazing, I was pretty sure the floor was going to
cave in when they played cannonball. Wire were a real treat. Ex Orkfest a
complete amalgamation of every style of music that has ever walked the
earth.Oh and if you ever get chance to witnes The Upper Crust please do.
ACDC played by a bunch of pretend english Dandies complete with beauty
spots, white faces and big buckled shoes. All the best to all in sand land.
I need to chill for a few days.XXX
- Date: Mon Apr 29 15:18
em (yuck):
- week.
- Date: Mon Apr 29 12:43
matt (tap tap tap house):
- hey glue sniffer, is it me, am i see-in things?, i didnt see you in the
*hop* and *friar* last friday eve-enin as i was just leav-in did i?? i think
Mill did see??
- Date: Mon Apr 29 10:58
Blaine (@work):
- Nice job on the photos.
- Date: Mon Apr 29 09:10
snuffler (smitten):
- Glue Sniffer...you definitely need to check out "The Future of
Life" by E.O.Wilson.
- Date: Mon Apr 29 08:50
james s (the characters lesser than and greater than):
- "Art of Travel" isn't going to be released in the U S until July
30.
- Date: Mon Apr 29 08:36
trey (loves his tabloid):
- Ditto for "American Tabloid" (aka "Cynicism Fomenter /
Fermenter Tommygun Confidential").
- Date: Mon Apr 29 07:45
the non toxic glue for wall paper and childrens cakes (the world
is as it once was):
- working as photographer hard. would love to shhoott the sand only ever
realy seen that lovely french ladies pictures will try and take soom of some
artistic worth but she is the dogs. any tom ovans fans around, also read
american tabloid by james ellroy. end message
- Date: Mon Apr 29 00:01
J (@ok):
- Phew, I thought I broke the board.
- Date: Sun Apr 28 17:04
tom (photo):
- that are , excuse my words, baaaad pics. Blaine, Mitch, Poot, James S,
E(m!), Mike sa wa ro, Gluesniffer : advice , "Art of travel" , by
A. de Botton.
- Date: Sat Apr 27 21:33
james s (ND):
- Got the new No Depression in the mail today. It has an interview with Howe
that you folks will want to check out. Big Wilco spread too, for you
wilco-ites.
- Date: Fri Apr 26 23:04
J (want peectures?):
- Here's the link to some live pictures of Giant Sand on stage that I found
today. http://adactio.com/journal/gallery.php/giant_sand. I sent $10 cash
from the UK to N.Y for 'Sage Advice' on cd. Vote now on whether it will be
the Mail/Post person who pockets the greenback or whether I shall once again
bask in that particular album, which with the 'Heartland' tracks would have
to be my best summer-sandage. Hello Rob, Alan, Paul, Ian and all the good
folk here. P.S 'alt.country' might be bad 'cow punk' might be dreadful, but
'no depression' Is that a quote? Please enlighten. P.P.S here's a comedy
translation Howe link too...
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=http://guitarbands.de/giantsd1.htm&prev=/search%3Fq%3D%2522giant%2Bsand%2Blive%2522%2B%26start%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ie%3DUTF8%26oe%3DUTF8%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DN
- Date: Fri Apr 26 12:59
james s (busted and leaping to the left and strong on P. A. except
when it applies to me (just a kidder today)):
- awwhhh, heck! I forgot there was a bonafide biologist on board. I doubt I
was fooling anybody anyway. Just playing, really. Mitch, hey to you as well.
Hope everything is good there in Tuscany. Well, enough of my rubbish. I'm
out of here for a bit. Hope everybody gets some bonafide shiver this
weekend.
- Date: Fri Apr 26 12:37
treybio (logist):
- James S- What hot debate? Obviously it's not nature vs. nurture. BTW- some
of us that veer leftwards are strong proponents of personal accountability
too. Just thought of this...don't veer to the left always, nor to the right.
Otherwise you just moth around in circles?
- Date: Fri Apr 26 12:32
treygoba (unibrow):
- Lord knows my brow could be different if, had I : a. incentive (was
on...wax off--yikes) b. negative reinforcement c. different genes d. decent
tweezers As for my Goldilocks torso...good genes (DNA happenstance), healthy
food/moderate portions, 30 mile/day bike commute, and ab exercises have
dealt me a decent torso. Not too long, not too short...just right.
- Date: Fri Apr 26 12:20
james s (nature vs nurture):
- It's a hot debate right now! Are folks born with a particular eyebrow
pattern and torso length, or do they choose them? Right-leaning advocates of
"personal responsibilty" would argue for the latter, of course.
- Date: Fri Apr 26 11:53
e (m):
- * That post of yours was pretty funny, James. Furthermore, one can't
exactly plan one's eyebrow pattern or torso length, can they?
- Date: Fri Apr 26 10:11
tHom (doctor freud's cobbled street in vienna):
- james s, we're all crazy in our own sweet ways. At least, that's my
excuse. Last year there was a favourable review in the NME of the show he
did at the spitz in london but it ended with the comment, "a bit
bonkers". That's an English slang term meaning something like
"nutty". I guess it ties in with the earlier thread on this page
about "alternative" country. They're all just ways of saying
something doesn't pander or conform to the lowest common denominator. Can
anyone think of a better definition of hell then a place where everyone
thinks exactly the same as everyone else all the time?
- Date: Fri Apr 26 09:45
james s (genmai-chi):
- Yes, weekend indeed, Ms E(m!). I wonder who told the Harp writer that Howe
was out of his f##king mind. I'd bet that Howe is the sanist person I don't
know. The 8 day lemonaide purge was a tad eccentric, the eyebrows and beard
are a little spooky, and he himself confessed to having an "odd ol'
torso", but other than all of that and a lot else besides, I'd bet he's
really got it together. Of course, there are several doctors who would say
that I'm not the best judge of sanity... Hope all you'uns have yerselves a
fine fine weekend. Later.
- Date: Fri Apr 26 09:14
e (m!):
- weekend!
- Date: Fri Apr 26 07:14
Blaine (@work):
- FYI -- the Giant Sand article in Harp magazine is a good one. Track it
down.
- Date: Thu Apr 25 15:29
Stephen M.H. Braitman (braitman@mindspring.com):
- March 16 is the earliest date I see a comment here about the Giant Sand
track on the May Uncut CD. Here it is April 25 and issues have just arrived
in San Francisco!
- Date: Thu Apr 25 14:44
Mitch (85719):
- Hey James, hi all--been out-of-pocket a bit so just catching up on the
goings on here. This Wilco talk reminds me of something I think Mike Brewer
once related, about Howe opening up for Wilco and, during his set, some
audience members kept shouting, "Wilco," to which Howe would
answer, "Roger." Not unlike Tom Petty waiting to go onstage at the
No Nukes Concert just prior to Bruce Springsteen's set, and someone told
him, "They're not booing you, they're just chanting
Broooooooo-ce," and Petty replied, "What's the difference?"
As for the "alt-country" moniker, I agree that is was a tired
dubbing probably before it was even first used. On the other hand, it has
some vague importance, if only to underline a difference between what has
become "mainstream country" and what clearly isn't--though maybe
that line has grown fuzzier, I don't know.
- Date: Thu Apr 25 14:34
james s (we thank you for all that you do):
- Toes in the sand sounds good. Haven't been to a beach in ages. But Man in
the Sand is the movie of the making of the mermaid ave with WILCO and billy
bragg. saw it just last sunday. Wilco-ites should check it out for the
studio and live footage. Bragg fans too of course. and Woody fans.
- Date: Thu Apr 25 12:01
Wallace (toes in the sand):
- If you liked Chore, you very well might like Being There. Both are long
and genre-hopping and adventurous and cool as all heck. A.M. is countrier,
and simple and pure, and SummerTeeth is meaner and glossier. YHF is gorgeous
and dissonant.
- Date: Thu Apr 25 11:50
jpr (cowpunkin'):
- giant sand and wilco have not much in common. wilco is much more
controlled, styled, 'produced'. i like both bands.
- Date: Thu Apr 25 11:30
treygoba (shorn by the wind):
- Let me rephrase my prior post...If I like GS, is there a pretty good
chance that I'll groove to the Tweedy bunch?
- Date: Thu Apr 25 10:52
let's try that again (shall we?):
- Except, as far as I know, Donna Summers was never in a heavy metal band
nor ever made a heavy metal record. Uncle Tupelo was an
"ALT-COUNTRY" band, and AM was an "alt-country" record.
I'm tired of the label too, especially when it's used to describe Giant
Sand, but the lable was practically invented to describe Uncle Tupelo, early
Wilco, etc... Before "alt-country" label came to into vogue, what
was it, "cow punk"? Oh brother.
- Date: Thu Apr 25 10:42
james s ((!!)-87=3):
- Well, except, as far as I know, Donna Summers was never in a heavy metal
record or made a heavy metal record.
- Date: Thu Apr 25 10:40
Tommy Gailer (neverendingscrolling):
- Yeah, Blaine, that`s true...to Bennet: i`ve seen Wilco several times from
96-99 and have a fine collection of their boots. Listening to the recent
boots from autumn 2001, i must confess, that i really miss Jay Bennet.
- Date: Thu Apr 25 10:32
Blaine (@work):
- C'mon Tommy, you know them terms are pretty much invented by lazy critics
and marketeers for shelving and shoveling "product". That said,
Wilco's alb AM would be a good choice to play for a Martian looking for an
example of said term. (Though I sure wouldn't lean that way for the
following albs.) FYI - Jay Bennett played a solo gig here a while back and
used to come through with Titanic Love Affair (and the Bowery Boys?), who
rocked in a Let It Be thru Tim-era Replacemats swagger. Be interesting to
see what his future holds. He certainly made a big contibution to Wilco, but
they seem like a group that is gonna endure. (Footnote, Bottle Rocket Brian
Henneman was the gtr slinger for the AM sessions before Wilco really set
foot in the public glare.)
- Date: Thu Apr 25 09:32
Tommy Gailer (willagree-scroller):
- Who called Wilco an alt-country band? I am sick of the
"alt-country" term anyway...
- Date: Thu Apr 25 09:30
Zeeke (blackblack22@aol.com):
- There was a post the other day about a guy down in tucson named tom
walbank. This guy is hands down, theee most amazing harp player ive ever had
the pleasure to witness. Ive seen him numerous times when I ve been out on
the road...and Howe is right about this, a tom walbank record is a good
idea. everybody that either posts here or reads the posts would surely
benefit from experiencing this bullet. He does this cover of "whoopin
the blues" by Georgia harp player Sonny Terry that still gives me
chills...he makes a man believe in ghosts.
- Date: Thu Apr 25 08:36
taka-taka-taka (Wilcommen):
- Calling Wilco alt-country is akin to calling Donna Summer heavy metal.
- Date: Thu Apr 25 06:57
Tommy Gailer (still-wilco-scrolling):
- Well: AM: more country-rock side********** Being There: More sixty
rockish, but the songstyle and sound is very variing*********Summerteeth (a
real summer-cd!) sounds a lot like Beach Boys/Beatles********Yankee Hotel
Foxtrott: very good pop songs, with a lot keyboard effects, not much
guitars-------------i would start with Being There, then Summerteeth, then
YHF, then A.M.
- Date: Thu Apr 25 06:18
goba (windsheared):
- I liked Uncle Tupelo (saw them in Lawrence KS), but have never listened to
Son Volt and Wilco. The splatter of the constant gush re: these bands
(particularly Wilco) makes me wonder what I'm missing. Where do I start? The
new Wilco album, or do I go back to the first post-split albums?
- Date: Thu Apr 25 06:04
Tommy Gailer (wilco-scroller):
- "anyone who's ever seen Wilco live knows that they are spry and
playful onstage - and they can rock out with the best of them."
++++++++++ you can be sure that the wilco "rock" presence won`t be
the same as during the Pre-Jay-Bennet-Time. A good leadguitar player is
missed in the recent shows. They still put on a good show, but it`s not the
same like when they had Bennet on stage.
- Date: Wed Apr 24 10:04
Wallace (on the beach):
- Four records in and we find wilco further yet from their freshman effort,
A.M. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot takes the listener on an existentialist trip, with
the band creating a loose sonic metaphoric meditiation on distance and love,
using random radio signals as a metaphor. This isn't to say that it isn't
fun as well - afterall, anyone who's ever seen Wilco live knows that they
are spry and playful onstage - and they can rock out with the best of them.
With songs like Kamera, War on War, Heavy Metal Drummer (a beautiful ode to
youth, innocence and Ray Davies), I'm the man Who Loves You, and Pot Kettle
Black, Tweedy and Co. provide enough radio-friendly pop to make you scratch
your head at the Reprise execs who said this record was a
"career-ender". The world would be a better place if War On War
and I'm the Man Who Loves You were booming out of car stereos this summer.
That said, this album is chock full of darkness and weirdness as well.
Kicking off with "I am Trying to Break your Heart" lyricist Jeff
Tweedy takes a haiku-like approach to describing drunken lovesickness. Yeah.
And Radio Cure reminds me of noneother than Radiohead, its glum, moody,
intriguing and ultimately cathartic. Jesus, Etc. has a great rolling feel
accented by a slippery fiddle line and strings that hum out of nowhere and
nearly assure that this will lodge in your ears and reamain there for a very
long time. Ashes of American Flags might make you SHIVER, its a cold poem on
the state of affairs out here in the west. Reservations ends the album
eloquenly, gorgeously, and ultimately grounds an album full of lies with one
important truth. You have to get there through the album to truly appreciate
it. What links the songs is a sonic pallette full of blips, radio pops stops
and starts, guitars, all forms of odd sounds and fillers pushed through
filters, a rhythmic complexity never achieved on a Wilco record, and the
poetry, which is VERY non-linear and disassociative, but, taken as a whole,
beautiful and imbued with a codified consistency. Its a band that is
changing, both in personnel and sound. Its an experience. Its a leap of
faith. Take it with them.
- Date: Wed Apr 24 09:25
james s (one more post):
- just to be helpful, if you are interested in seeing that flick (Heartworn
Highways), go here: http://www.townesvanzandt.com/video.html
- Date: Wed Apr 24 09:01
james (ahhh yes,):
- Sir Townes did have a way with words. Ever seen the flick "Heartworn
Highways"? Has some great footage of Townes trying to crawl drunk into
a rabbit hole in his backyard, as well as good footage of Guy Clark, David
Allen Coe, and a teenage Steve Earle.
- Date: Wed Apr 24 08:55
emm (pineappley!!):
- **Morning to everyone. More testing for me today(it never ever ends). I'm
bringing swerve and headphones.
- Date: Wed Apr 24 08:53
Blaine (@work):
- James, how's this: "The clouds didn't look like cotton/They didn't
even look like clouds." Townes Van Zandt
- Date: Wed Apr 24 08:50
james s (pineapple chunks):
- Hey Mitch and Howe, you guys live in Tuscany, right? Somewhere in the
heart of the Italian Mojave? This morning, here in the Tennessee Alps, we
have the prettiest clouds. If only I were a poet! I can't think of a simile
for the clouds because they really look like nothing else, least of all
clouds! Have a good day, all ye sandies.
- Date: Wed Apr 24 08:17
billy brandt (contact2drumdancerrecords.com):
- Howe,,,sorry about the punctuation and spelling in that last message...put
a exclaimation point after amazing sand.....billy brandt
- Date: Wed Apr 24 05:38
Jim mcAllister (mcallisterjd@msn.com):
- "pedalless " a great record ! also like it for it's humour .
Howe should become a stand-up comedian in his spare time (if he has any
spare time!)
- Date: Tue Apr 23 22:10
phill (INKED WITH SAND):
- howe, glad your back in the pouch! Az. that is.Still amping from my j-harp
in Philly.crazy nite .no one belives the entertainment and total zeeeel
runnin through my bones could you please give me a mention and throw up my
pic sometime always loyal to the BBQ yours truely/inked with sand j-harp in
hand and nill demand
- Date: Tue Apr 23 19:34
Harvieux (still up here in it):
- Just pik'd up A copy of HARP magazine and its got A great cover piece on
HOWE and the SAND with excerpts from NICO,BUCKNER,CHESTNUTT(of the Vics)+,
just A great cover story look for it.Thanks for the 400 show HOWE twas A
goodin'A greatin' hell it was the goods only you could serve up.
- Date: Tue Apr 23 17:40
pnick (silent p):
- folks should see the fine french film "time out." can't remember
the french title, though...about a guy who gets fired but decides to live
the lie and not tell the family about it. more like some then they'd like to
admit, i guess...
- Date: Tue Apr 23 14:07
e (mmm):
- **good to know the glue sniffer is turning over a new leaf. James, happy
earthday to you too yesterday& Manny, I hope your injury isn't a lasting
one& I hope I see you at the next new york area sand thing (whenever
that may be), limp or no limp! hope everyone's day is going somewhat
smoothly. :)
- Date: Tue Apr 23 13:58
Scott (info@maquiladoraplastics.com - Howe Gelb, John Convertino on Tom
Walbank CD):
- Several days back, I made mention that Howe Gelb, John Convertino, Naïm
Amor (Belhom-Amor Duo), et al played on a CD by Tucson artist Tom Walbank. I
asked if it would be okay to promote the CD here. Response was positive and
Howe told me at an L.A. in-store that any CD with Tom Walbank on it is a
damn good idea. So here goes: Tom Walbank and Doug Smith CD - Excalibooty!
Featuring three studio tracks and five tracks recorded live at Solar Culture
with Howe, John Convertino, others during the pre-New Year's bash. The CD is
$10, plus $3 for U.S. shipping. It's pressed (not burned), has liner notes,
etc, etc. Most of the proceeds go direct to Tom (I swear). For orders and
info, please email me at info@maquiladoraplastics.com or visit
www.maquiladoraplastics.com (MP3 samples available there). Thanks all.
- Date: Tue Apr 23 13:27
james s (the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg):
- Appreciate the link, Mike Gerfin.
- Date: Tue Apr 23 10:27
poot (1-800-228-9290):
- Ok, the ol' soundman-with-the-delay trick. I used to think it was
brilliant to turn the treble up, and bass down when the principal would
speak at school assemblies. heh heh... ...ugh... - poto
- Date: Tue Apr 23 07:45
Mike Gerfin (michael.gerfin@vwi.unibe.ch):
- James, you'll find something on Monk's mental health problems in this
article: http://home.achilles.net/~howardm/psych.shtml. This is by the way
also the best Monk site on the net with many interesting links (e.g. a
discussion of whether Monk appears in Pynchon's V). And, yes, Monk is one
the greatest!! Many thanks to Howe for introducing me to Thelonious' music.
Take care. Mike
- Date: Tue Apr 23 07:19
Glue sniffer luciffer (howdy powdy partners):
- well a realy long week for me. but dont panic i am still up their with the
rest of them. been under the knife and decided to change who i am. i will
become the nicest guy you could meet. weird world in which we live. spend
all day chasing tails and never getting the fronts. i moved alot yesterday
which in a way has taken tyhe strain out of me. but with book in post i'll
shure make the most of the old memorail day service. as i decened leaving
you like good friends whatching thoses dangerous bends. it will be over..
LOVE IS THE KEY but where is the lock? hahahahahahhaa
- Date: Tue Apr 23 05:27
billy brandt (contact@drumdancerrecords.com):
- Howe,,,how ya doin'? Billy Brandt here and yeah! I'm still alive! amazing
sand been playin and producing records here in Detroit for the last 8
years..Missed the show at the magic stick because of a gig that night....but
i was sthinking of you as i was reaching for notes that were not there on my
guitar(fond most of them anyway)....it's all in the visualazation......been
buying several giant sand titles over the years....love the one in
Kingsway!!! hope to talk to you soon.......www.jilljack.com and though not
updated www.drumdancerrecords.com billy
- Date: Mon Apr 22 14:21
james s (oops):
- Well, I wished you all a happy Earthday two days early (confusion stemming
from the fact that nashville had it's celebration two days early to put it
on a weekend). Not that anyone out there really cares about my mistake but I
hate to leave things unmended. So, today, happy earthday. Plant a tree or
kill a bulldozer.
- Date: Mon Apr 22 10:55
james s (the bodhi-mind is being established):
- Saw "straight, no chaser" yesterday. Wow. Anybody know what the
"official diagnosis" was, concerning Monk's mental problems? In
some of the footage, he looked like he was on some heavy meds, thorazine or
something. Anybody who lives even on the outskirts of Giant Sand should see
this movie.
- Date: Mon Apr 22 09:31
Manny ((lusting)):
- "The Love Songs" stalks right behind
- Date: Mon Apr 22 09:28
Manny ((limping)):
- Hello Em. Sorry for the delay in reply. Unfortunately, I was forced to
miss the Giant Sand concert due to an injury. The first time since 1988 I've
ever missed them when they were in the New York area. Quite sorry to hear
you missed the show also. Which sand album never gets put away?.....Glum!
- Date: Mon Apr 22 08:17
e (mm):
- ..I still wanna know if Manny was there.
- Date: Mon Apr 22 08:16
*e (m):
- sadly, due to all this college and preparing for college ickiness and lack
of money, I had to miss knitting factory. After Joe's, I couldn't wait for
Knitting Factory but then Knitting Factory time rolled around and I had just
spent all by money on a trip to baltimore visiting a college. It's all very
sad.
- Date: Mon Apr 22 00:36
howe (home):
- and...er...um....EM. were you at the knitting factory last week ?
- Date: Mon Apr 22 00:34
howe (home):
- ...and no. no delay pedal. if any delay is found, its from the sound man.
i still had two mics set up. one with . one without. for the sake of
escapeism.
- Date: Mon Apr 22 00:32
howe (home):
- well sir poot, we had a little trouble with a denny's outside of frisco,
so crippling breakfast flashbacks would not allow us to attempt such again.
the wayside it was then. with real vermont maple syrup. hard to leave
actually. you can open up the back door while on the payphone there and take
in the beautiful scape and blossoming smells.
- Date: Sun Apr 21 23:42
Tommy Gailer (scrollin`for beautiness):
- "The Traveling Birds" by Jaque Perrin
("Microcosmos")...just came back from the cinema, and hopefly you
people get this french docu-production over there too. My movie of the year
so far. For 100 minutes people were so quite, like never before. Never seen
a film about birds, with camera angels and camera drives/glides/dives that
leaves you speechless.*********** Just music and the birds...maybe some
comments, but 95 % just wonderful pictures.%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
www.filmz.de/film_2002/no.../index.htm%%%%%%%%%%%%%
www.berlinale.de/en/press..._main.html%%%%%%%%%%%%% Couldn`t find a english
site, and the IMDB doesnt`say much about the film too. I`ll get me the book
for sure. Did any one see that movie? Stefan?
- Date: Sun Apr 21 17:33
poot (...!...):
- I woke up yesterday morning to a trembling bedroom. At first I thought I
was still drunk, but I was just a 5.1 quake from NY. Last one here in VT was
'83. Has anyone seen "Roadside Prophets" a roadtrip movie
featuring John Doe, and Ad-Rock? Strange little film. I put it in the same
category as "Crippled Masters". Hey howe, you must have missed the
Denny's about 5 minutes away from the Burlington airport. Tho ending up at
the Wayside was probably for the better, if you're there again, try to make
it on a wednesday night. That's Meatloaf special night, and it's well worth
it. One more thing. Is that a delay pedal I hear on disc 2, track 1, on
"Pedalless"? Ok, more coffee... -MCP
- Date: Sun Apr 21 17:12
Rich Andre (great_big_richard@yahoo.com):
- jeezzz, a blast from the past! I was checking out the new Tom Waits CD on
Amazon.com, when Giant Sand popped up on the screen. I was the guy that
passed out your flyers and took the cover charge at Ninos in Tucson, AZ in
1986. You guys played there quite often, and I enjoyed your music. You sure
have been productive since then. Hope all is well. By the way, what ever
happened to that Tom guy who owned Ninos? Take care.
- Date: Sun Apr 21 15:47
J (jpe67@hotmail):
- Can anyone please sort me out with a copy of 'The Killer inside me' by
Green on red? I must have one now (((TANTRUM))) mailto jpe67@hotmail.com P.S
Not Jim Thompson. Have it on vinyl (but currently no turntable) and can't
believe I can't just walk into a shop and buy it. Same goes for Rain Parade
stuff.
- Date: Sun Apr 21 11:18
Rob (Draw a map, see the world):
- Hey Howe, I should have a copy of the Boston show within a week; will send
a copy once I have it. Thanks for the show in T.O.!
- Date: Sun Apr 21 03:23
James D (mcallisterjd@msn.com):
- Re-Rob S How about checking out Miles Davis " Kind of Blue".
Late night listening!
- Date: Sat Apr 20 18:00
james s (jazz at the public library and happy earth day):
- Went by the library today and picked up Mingus "Pithecanthropus
Erectus" (fantastic), Ornette Coleman "Free Jazz" (strange
ride for sure), and Eric Dolphy "Out There" (hey this is a nice
discovery). Listening to "The Beat Goes On" from GS Cover Mag
makes me think Howe, John, and Joe should kick out a side project
instumental jazz (drums bass piano plus whatever) record. After the next
great record of GS originals, of course. Glad to see your post, Howe, and
hope all is well with you and yours. Happy Mother's (earth) day.
- Date: Sat Apr 20 14:58
BD ((+)):
- "Hot Rats-Zappa", "Blind Joe Death-Fahey",
"Village Vangaurd Sessions-Coltrane", "Dark Magus-Miles
Davis", Black Saint and The Sinner Lady-Mingus", "Down
Home-Howe".
- Date: Sat Apr 20 14:40
Mitch (85719):
- Ah, Em...George it is, a fitting name!!! Now I vaguely recall you
mentioning your critter's moniker, but I keep forgettin'...seems the ol'
gray cells are slipping between my fingers like grains
of...uh...hmmmmmmmm...can't remember.
- Date: Sat Apr 20 12:34
Ian (same as the old one):
- Actually, Blaine, a lot of Zappa's Jazz orientated material does not
feature guitar so don't rule it out. Personally I like guitar stuff but I go
through phases, I probably have not listened to FZ for 6 months or more but
I might go a month listening to nothing else soon.
- Date: Sat Apr 20 11:22
Rob S ((())):
- Just to carry on the Mingus thread check out Ah Um. Amazing. Have only
just started to scratch the jazz surface. Anybody want to guide me where i
should go next? As for Fahey, Blind Joe Death. Howe, hope all is cool with
you & yours. Good to see you post again. Best Wishes to all in Sandland.
UK.
- Date: Sat Apr 20 08:50
e (mmmm*):
- Good to hear from ya again, Howe. Glad the tour went well& you're back
home safely.Now go take a nap.That's an order. Hi James and everyone. Mitch,
you wacky wacky man the cat's still George.*
- Date: Fri Apr 19 19:49
howe (home):
- welp, hello folks. nice to see you again. the tour was fine. i think we
were hitting our stride by the last show, where everyone in the band at one
point during the night, sounded like hendrix. anyone have a tape of that
one....? in philly ??? the san francisco show, on the other hand, seemed
like the most perfect set ever accomplished by the likes of us. not sure how
that happened, but it might have had something to do with jason lytle and
aaron burtch opening up and setting things straight. and also then and there
were carissa's weird, whom were fine sonic companionship for the zip up the
west coast. thanks to them for that. my apologies to the kind fellow in
boston who was only being sweetly curtious by answering my previous question
to another wobbling audience member....(question was: what kind of a god to
you pray to ?) and apparently the answer came from a fellow just a few
seconds later, which is just enough time for me to forget what i was on
about, when he answered "a bored god ". when i turned to him then
and said "bored ?" ...he kindly nodded and that inspired me to
think ..."yep...we are boring tonight i guess.....my wires have mucked
up the pacing and we are probably boring ". which actually then
inspired a lovely lilting set complete with verbal reflection on how we got
to that point there in the given day. ......it was noah thomas, trumpeteer,
who notified me after the show what the kind fellow actually said. ah well.
we would still like a tape of that show too if anyone nabbed it.
well....good talking to you all again.....see you sooner then later with
luck, howe.
- Date: Fri Apr 19 17:29
kf (mingus):
- black saint and the lady sinner
- Date: Fri Apr 19 17:20
PaulK (Blue Monk):
- The Monk Blue Note reissues do it for me, i don't think he ever surpassed
those. However I do have a soft spot for an album he did with Art Blakey,
just for the cover art, Monk on a kid's trolley, on Riverside I think. If
you like monk you should listen to Mingus, some of that stuff is out of this
world, picanthrepus erectus is a huge record.
- Date: Fri Apr 19 16:12
high yella (high red):
- high blue she blue ELLA GURU
- Date: Fri Apr 19 12:30
Blaine (@work):
- Nels Cline is great on Watt's Engine Room alb. He's got a real freejazz
sprit, but not Zappa-esque. (Jazz and gtrs usually don't mesh well in my
house -- Sonny Sharrock aside.) Also heard Mr. Cline on Geraldine Fibbers.
Best Monk would be a tough one, but over the years I've grown to appreciate
his sax player, the vastly underrated Charlie Rouse. The movie is a good
one, esp when Monk is spinning in place at the airport. Best GS this Fri aft
would be something older, maybe Band of Blacky doing Evil or Trouble or
whatever that song is called.
- Date: Fri Apr 19 11:41
oops (i did it again):
- "supersede"
- Date: Fri Apr 19 11:19
goba (oz):
- I'm pretty prone to Center of the Universe. Chore may supercede, but needs
some aging like a wine I thinks (although I decant every chance I get).
- Date: Fri Apr 19 11:15
james s (more of the same but not quite):
- anyone want to put out an opinion about which Monk record "rules the
roost?" Which Giant Sand/Howe Gelb record "rules the roost?"
That would be a tough one, but I think I would have to say Chore. Some days
I might be more prone to say Backyard BBQ or Hisser or Glum, but Chore is
one of those "desert island" records on all days.
- Date: Fri Apr 19 10:41
igriega (consent of ascent):
- Jimi Hendrix - Pali Gap (you may have to search it out), it was on Rainbow
Bridge and then reappeared on South Saturn Delta, a raw sluice of odd, clean
Jimmy James. Jerry Garcia - Soundcheck Jam at the Watkin's Glen concert.
Plenty o' reasons to dislike the band, this ain't one of them John Coltrane
- "Ogunde" from the Guts and Grace label "Live Forever"
Release. Wretched sound quality, disolving into a squawl that could be
accurately described as the whole world screaming that their babies are
dying simultaneously. Florking horrific. Amazing. Coltrane's got a lot of
good material considering he died young, this rare snippet will blow your
mind. These three intsrumental trackes have that "touched" feel.
Some other forces at work. Outrageously on.
- Date: Fri Apr 19 07:18
graham (.):
- i agree: the closer to exorcism trane's music got, the better. like he
could spit demons out through the bell of his horn. interstellar space is
his best (and followed closely by the village vanguard sessions). anybody
ever hear nels cline and gregg bendian cover the entire interstellar space
album on drums and electric guitar? holds up pretty well to the original. i
can see howe pouring over his late-period coltrane records; some of his
solos approximate similar intensity.
- Date: Thu Apr 18 20:27
redfreek (highprariesmyhome):
- Hi all...Coltrane, Jimi, Art Tatum...these guys were on a whole other
level. Some kind of direct line to the Creator. Never will forget the cold
December day a few years ago when I first brought A Love Supreme home and
gave it a listen. It was the first Coltrane I'd heard, other than his work
with Miles on Kind of Blue. Wasn't long after that I purchased the four disc
Villiage Vanguard set. Mind-blowing....? Let's just say I didn't play much
of anything else for about a year. Incredibly creative and very inspiring,
whether you are a musician or not. Honestly though, later period Coltrane is
a little too crazy for me...too much for the senses. Although
"Sunship" and "Interstellar Space" are both fairly
listenable. IMHO...starting with "Giant Steps" in nineteen-sixty
his recording output in only seven years is the greatest of any musician
these ears have yet heard. I'm very fond of Giant Sand also...
- Date: Thu Apr 18 17:41
Mitch (85719):
- Blaine, that is.
- Date: Thu Apr 18 17:41
Mitch (85719):
- Hi, James. I'm with Blain on A Love Supreme ruling the roost. My Favorite
Things would come second and is, er, one of my favorite things. Ascension is
also worth the ride. Hey there, EM! Did you ever name that cat?
- Date: Thu Apr 18 17:21
tom (koonaklaster and krell):
- I still go by "A Love Supreme" and Coltrane's live in Paris and
Japan. As for Mr. Fahey I go by 'Revelation on the Banks of the
Pawtuxent", just for the very title of it. I've been looking for
Mingus' Live at Antibes, great disc with Dolphy, Ted Curson and Bud Powell.
It will be delivered. Thanks again to all those responsable for the last
Sandman release. Wonderful re-experience.
- Date: Thu Apr 18 15:51
J (Hey trey):
- Thanks Trey, I had absolutely no idea anyone would pick up my zoo gauntlet
with such care. I love bugs and roaches too, and Trees, Saltmarsh, lichen
and all that good stuff. Meanwhile, I would have to say that Howe at the
'Borderline' London was a most steep guitar learning curve. The piano type
tapping with a pick noises still escape me. Other guitar heroes of mine...
Chuck Prophet@Town & Country club as a member of Green on Red (now the
Forum) supported by Steve Earle and the Dukes, with (whatshisname?) Who
delivered a killer 12 string solo on the two bands version of (as I recall)
Jumpin' Jack Flash.
- Date: Thu Apr 18 15:51
james s (thanks fellers):
- I've liked all of the Coltrane I've heard, even when he's "playing
pretty for the people", but Love Supreme has me wanting more of him
playing intense and ecstatic for God. That record played loudly produces
euphoria (if you are in a receptive mood, if not, it might just produce a
headache). Stay out of the way of tornados, Blaine. I hate those things. Oh,
and Trey, I got a flyer in the mail yesterday from the Nashville zoo. It
said, "HAVE FUN AT THE ZOO," written over a picture of an
elephant. You have an uphill battle, my friend. Happy to see you around
again, E(mm).
- Date: Thu Apr 18 15:25
Blaine (@work):
- James/Graham -- All of John Coltrane's music is worth hearing, though some
not as often as others. A Love Supreme rules the roost. He was a complicated
guy who fortunately for us was an artist. Any configuration of the Village
Vanguard stuff with Dolphy's mighty foghorn would be a good stepping off
point, as well. Weather here was record-setting in the 80s 4 days running,
but a big change is happening over the big lake and the pressure is
dropping. Tornado weather.
- Date: Thu Apr 18 14:37
graham (all hail the great kooniklaster):
- Ascension is amazing--usually makes everyone reach for their
"tortured" and "pained" and "spiritual"
adjectives. Certainly deserving of all of these, though I think it's also
quite listenable. And speaking of Johns, what's the general consensus on
Fahey albums? Fare Forward Voyagers gets my vote, but they are all
essential.
- Date: Thu Apr 18 13:30
james s (yes,):
- yes, hello and good day on Thursday. I like it hot hot hot. Well... warm
warm warm, anyway. and yes, Frontage Row and indeed all glumness is lovely.
I never heard the original glum, so I heard all of that stuff for the first
time with unsung. Sweet. Picked up Love Supreme last night. Also, sweet,
very sweet. Any Coltrane fans have an opinion to share on Ascension?
Thinking about getting it.
- Date: Thu Apr 18 13:12
e (mm):
- *Hi on Thursday. it is hot and hot.
- Date: Wed Apr 17 19:30
saNdStorm (tom@handgunner.net):
- For those of you lucky enough to catch the Philly show...I think the dude
that played the Juice Harp was none other than Phil Rodgers from York, PA.
- Date: Wed Apr 17 17:16
tom (Mark E. Smith is certainly not Volk, nor was Mr Fahey):
- I tried to follow the zoo links, but at some point it began reminding me
of biology teachers (long story, Trey, not your fault) (re : BD) : How
bluegrass music destroyed my life is the funniest book I've ever read. Do
you have any other suggestions ? (re : alltommorowsparties) : it was all a
bit to expensive, not only in moolah, but also in time. I know I'm going to
regret to not have seen The Fall and Shellac, et al. (re : and you will know
us by the trail of dead) : listened to their new disc for a couple of weeks.
Sonic Youth influence ? Sure ! I'm not complaining. Lambchop came over to
Brussels three days ago. Wonderful show, with Kurt Wagner at his vocal best
and the band at its silent best (someone dropping an empty plastic cup
seemed to be an intrusion). Got my hands on the tour-only CD, got into a
small conversation with Mr. Wagner. It was a very good sunday. Peace to all
of you.
- Date: Wed Apr 17 16:03
james s ((-)):
- Hey Tom, check it out, BD read the Fahey book! Abstract Wild is one I've
wanted to read for a while but haven't. It looks great. I'm sure it will go
far in adding to my dissatisfaction with a life of sitting indoors in front
of a computer for 40 hours a week. On another note, it's good to know that a
band like the Fall can still be going after, what, 25 years?
- Date: Wed Apr 17 15:30
BD ((+)):
- Referencing the zoo thing as well as the wilderness info a great book to
read by a true iconoclast is "The Abstract Wild, Jack Turner". And
please read "Blues for Cannibals, Charles Bowden" both serious
reading with of course that dark hand humor to lighten the load. I did read
the Jawn Fahey book "How BLuegrass destroyed my life. Funny book and
boy was he out there.
- Date: Wed Apr 17 13:01
Rob S ((())):
- Just found out Bonnie Prince Billy is playing the whole of Arise,
Therefore in sequence order at All Tomorrows Parties next weekend. Shellac
are organising a pub quiz?! Plush are playing the first night of the weekend
whom ive wanted to witness live for some time. Also playing are The FAll,
Cheap Trick, Low and many many more. Could I get a better weekend? How is
everyone in Sandland. Best wishes to J. Hope you & yours are doin
well.UK.
- Date: Wed Apr 17 12:11
Mc Murtry fan (in a small town):
- Saw Mc Murtry in a tiny bar. Maybe the best guitar player I've ever
witnessed. Sheesh.
- Date: Wed Apr 17 12:02
Blaine (@work):
- Finally spun Unsungglum last night while reading The Liar's Club (by Mary
Karr -- anyone read it? Good so far, reminds me of early Larry McMurtry).
Oddly, the shuffling and new tunes caught my ear and made me check the liner
notes. Could be Glum proper is too burned in my mind to shake. In hindsight
it does seem to point (if vaguely) toward Chore and Rock Opera. RE: Neil and
Giant Sand - how about throwing in Crazy Horse as well? That'd be one
perfect mess.
- Date: Wed Apr 17 11:43
neek (l.a.):
- i know it's old hat, and he's been thoroughly deconstructed and
reconstructed, but man oh man did anyone catch bonnie 'prince' billy in l.a.
last night? amazing. amazing.
- Date: Wed Apr 17 11:13
james s (Re:tripe):
- I appreciate your comments. I don't think it's tripe at all. I will stop
bugging you on this topic since, after all, this is a "giant sand"
board and the others may get annoyed. This stuff just gets on my mind and I
never have the opportunity to communicate with anyone who both cares
(assuming you do) and knows stuff! Later, folks.
- Date: Wed Apr 17 10:46
treygoba (tripe saturated):
- Yes, I've read "End of Nature", but it was quite a few years
ago. I think the book is overall on the mark, but who'm I to say? If I
remember correctly, he called for quite a bit of revision of our value
systems/economic systems. I disagree with his title...maybe it should have a
subtitle "(As We Know It)". Weedy species will definitely survive
this bottleneck no problemo. They'll thrive. We see some of this already.
Whitetail deer, opossums, raccoons, woodhouse toads, bullfrogs, black rat
snakes, humans, carp, largemouth bass, wild turkey, feral cats, Norway rats,
zebra mussels, purple loosestrife, kudzu, etc. Not all of these weeds are
exotic, but were kept in check via the complex systems that contained
relatively high biodiversity (thus outcompeting the weeds, as non-weeds were
specialized for the system they lived in). It is interesting to note that at
about the same time McKibben wrote "End of Nature", Al Gore wrote
"Earth in the Balance". It was dismissed as poppycock, but from
what I can tell most of the scenarios and / or policy shifts outlined in the
book have been / will be realized. If you're really interested in this sort
of tripe written by scientists for non-scientists, try out "Flight of
the Iguana" and "Boilerplate Rhino" by David Quammen. E.O
Wilson is widely considered the world's foremost expert (and impassioned
scientist) on biodiversity issues. E.O. Wilson's books are also outstanding
(he's won two Pulitzers- not bad for a myrmicologist (ant scientist), as he
can connect with non-scientists. My high school students even like him. Try
out his newest book "The Future of Life". BTW- I don't think of
myself as an alarmist, but instead as a pragmatist who takes the long view.
Hell, I'll try to make the arguments via current via current value systems.
We lose species that have :1. potential cures for diseases; 2. genes that
could be mined for biotechnology; 3. unrealized utility functions. In
addition, biotechnology may allow us to increase productivity of crops,
preserve topsoil (50% of pre-Euro topsoil has already been lost here in the
breadbasket), and rectify/mediate pollution. Most of the evidence filtered
through my own cobweb of synapses don't look rosy. Alarmist? Stating the
obvious the way I see it, but maybe I'm a quack (or a chicken (as in Chicken
Little)). Of course there are multiple takes on any set of data. Everyone
will be wrong to some degree in their predictions, as we don't have crystal
balls (that work) or a direct line to god(dess(es)) (and as an extension of
this- ALL mathematical models are wrong; it's just that some are less wrong
than others) Some things are certain (via empirical evidence)...1. human
population will continue to exert an exponentially increasing amount of
pressure on all ecosystems ; 2. once threshhold levels in a system are
breached, the system unravels 3. complex systems are more stable than simple
ones. Yes...Adrian Belew. I've listened to him since Baby Snakes. I like his
studio work with others and the King Crimson work, but I've been really
impressed with his solo work, particularly Mr. Musichead. Had the pleasure
of seeing him solo several years ago. Quite the technical wizard, but so are
a lot of other guitarists. I really like his use of dissonance/random noises
incorporated into his songs. I saw him play a song called "1967"
on Good Morning America about a decade ago. He tweaked absolutely delicious
sounds out of a National resonator. Never knew a 1930's metal acoustic
guitar could make so many noises.
- Date: Wed Apr 17 09:34
james s (Re::):
- Trey, are you meaning Adrian Belew? He lives here and before King Crimson
went out on the road with Tool for that last record, they did three nights
here in a tiny little club (for them). I got into one of the shows and it
was quite amazing. It's not the kind of stuff I want to listen to generally,
but being that close to Belew and Fripp doing their stuff was very cool.
Just curious, have you read Bill McKibben's "End of Nature", and
as a biologist, what are your thoughts on it?? Are the claims, in your
oppinion, inflated and "alarmist" or do you thing they are on the
mark?
- Date: Wed Apr 17 07:11
inquiring mind (needs to know things):
- glue girl/boy...why's the brain ouchy? Did you jump too?
- Date: Wed Apr 17 07:06
gluce sniffer (stotokik):
- well i am shot away. met a crazy plane jummping fool last night. my brain
hurts
- Date: Wed Apr 17 05:34
Aldo (aminoss@tin.it):
- Hi, great versions in your last cd. Thank you for this music that go
straight into the heart, at least into my heart. Thanks and take care. aldo
- Date: Tue Apr 16 23:05
Adam Nicely (adamnicely@hotmail.com):
- hey howe and the sand band, thank you for the satie, trying to get it
played at my wedding in a month and they said too sad, just dont hear that.
philly show was great and hope to see you up this way again soon, pretty
expensive but yeah yeah
- Date: Tue Apr 16 20:07
trey (whirling dervish):
- smaller bars---Ota Benga is not part of the current Bronx Zoo. Go to
www.bronxzoo.com to see their current ethos. I wonder if subsequent
generations will think we're as idiotic and misguided as we now view Ota
Benga's "keepers" and their ilk.
- Date: Tue Apr 16 19:14
windy (sand deprived):
- Too many cooks?
- Date: Tue Apr 16 19:12
Donald James (mcallisterjd@tiscali.co.uk):
- What do you think, folks, Neil young recording an album with Giant Sand??
A marriage made in Heaven. After Neil's latest offering ,he needs some good
backup
- Date: Tue Apr 16 18:56
treygoba (autowind):
- Blaine- I don't think "habitat" is an easy answer, although it
is definitely obvious. Someone asked which countries had altered the most
habitat. Island nations have underwent the most radical transformations.
Most of the Caribbean, Madagascar, Phillipines, Sumatra, Borneo, many
Indonesian islands, etc. The smaller the island, the more vulnerable. Other
nations that have radically modified/altered/transformed their ecosystems; I
don't know...China, India, all of Europe, Japan (that's why they're jonesin'
for that oh so delicious Amazonian wood), much of sub-Saharan Africa (got to
have them cattle). Places that have high pop. densities. Human population is
an obvious (but not easy) answer too, but addressing such a glaring taboo
publicly solicits Salemesque responses, esp. here in the breadbasket. And
yes, Blaine, I realize that per capita consumption is really where it's at.
But when the rest of the world is striving to be like Mike (Jordan), and
pursue the American/European dream, thus the suburban home, manicured lawn,
golf course just around the corner, not one, but two SUV's (mines bigger
than yours), enough protein / day to sustain me for a week, the numbers
won't crunch. It would take FIVE Earths to support the global human pop. at
the median U.S. level of consumption. Think about it folks. 6,000,000,000+
already. Two ways to address population. Front end and back end control. We
control front end. Natural systems take care of back end. Lowball estimates
are that we'll peak at ~8.5 bill/ high estimates are 11.5+ billion around
2050-2060. If we think things are crazy now, ...I just put on a loaner CD-
"You Will Know Us By the Trail of the Dead". Very SY influenced,
at least on first listen. Anyone hear them live? Any Belew fans out there?
Only saw one snake. Too much cloud cover/wind.
- Date: Tue Apr 16 15:58
Shaun H. (what kinda zoo you running there Paul?):
- well, hope the little one's all fixed up and back on track soon buddy.
- Date: Tue Apr 16 15:55
paulk (p.kerr@ntlworld.com.rip):
- J, you wrote...P.Kerr, I have spent some down time concocting a sleeve 4
the locals' only disc. Would you like one?. One what, if it doesn't bite and
is not an endangered species, well yes. Shaun, really dug Trees Lounge, was
all ready to sit down to Palookaville tonight but my 12 year old Palooka
fell off of his skates and broke his arm. I'll get back to all once the dust
settles
- Date: Tue Apr 16 15:49
Shaun H. (what's he building in there?):
- ...i'm just kinda happy sat watching the squiggles, as my niece calls
them, in West Ham Park. but i gotta raise a cheer for the docents (made my
journey back from the Desert Museum about a 10th of the time shorter than my
journey there).
- Date: Tue Apr 16 15:44
smallersize (fear of bars):
- http://www.rae.org/otabenga.html The Bronx Zoo - whats that place all
about? Does it have a better take? I just know of the above.
- Date: Tue Apr 16 15:27
High Northerly (de alli):
- http://www.highdesert.org Kindered spirit museum/zoo/anthropological
experience, from my northerly neck. Has anyone seen Giant Sand's latest
shows? Would love to hear how the band in faring out in the dying world...
- Date: Tue Apr 16 14:57
J (phew):
- Didn't know the zoo thing would kick off so grandly. Thanks for the food
for thought. Get a life. Bin the glue bag.
- Date: Tue Apr 16 14:46
jame s (my two cents):
- Yeah, I wouldn't say Double Nickles "changed my life" either,
though it was a blast of fresh air from the "hardcore" scene that
had become mighty damned formula and dull. I had the unlikely pleasure of
seeing them play in a deli in Knoxville Tennessee (my band opened for dead
kennedys once in the same deli!). It was amazing watching them play
(minutemen). Also, Trey, man! Thanks for the comments. Good stuff. Blaine,
my faith that education is going to fix anything is wavering. On any
important matter, it seems that folks are more and more divided up into
camps and no one from one camp is willing to even listen to anyone from the
other camp(s). As for the official education system, it seems to me it just
functions to preserve and protect the course we are already on, consequences
be damned. Fact is, there are people making money on the destruction of the
natural environment and those people have convinced lots and lots of other
people that anyone who complains about it, even if it's a scientist sitting
on a mountain of research, is just a doomsday preacher, a tree-hugging new
age freak that hates freedom and prosperity, etc... I've been hearing about
species going extinct, about the hole in the ozone layer, been watching the
wars in the middle east, the strip-malling of America, been hearing about
climate change, air pollution, deforestation, water drying up, etc.., for my
whole life nearly. Yet, the autos just keep getting bigger and the oil
barrens are still getting elected (well, sort of). If education fails to
save the world, what then?? Trey, timber rattlesnakes? I'll just wait for
the pictures.
- Date: Tue Apr 16 13:50
Mitch (85719):
- Seems I didn't read further down, Trey. You got the Desert Museum
mentioned in there. Should finish sipping my coffee before posting I guess.
- Date: Tue Apr 16 13:44
Mitch (85719):
- Really enjoying your comments, Trey. Have you had a chance to visit The
Sonoran Desert Museum just outside of Tucson? Seems they share your feelings
about what a zoo should be.
- Date: Tue Apr 16 13:29
roland (bay area):
- Double Nickels didn't quite change my life. Seeing them live numerous
times certainly did.
- Date: Tue Apr 16 12:04
trey (lost in oz):
- As for rethinking the zoo paradigm...I could write a book here, but a
couple of points are: 1. quit the pandering. In the zoo/public tango, zoos
should lead most of the time. 2. naturalistic mixed species exhibits. You
are able to show/demonstrate organisms interacting in a reasonable facsimile
of their natural behaviors. 3. Get out of the bigger is better/newer is
better/rarer is better/mine's bigger than yours mentality. Everyone wants to
be SD, but can't. 4. Quit the stupid amusement park atmosphere. I call it
the Disnification of zoos; after Disney, the zoo world changed (except
Bronx). 5. Carefully carefully carefully consider the desired and resultant
messages communicated at zoos. Quit the factoid encyclopedic graphics and
strive for common threads throughout the park. Graphics and zoo educators
need to adopt an eclectic/holistic approach. 6. Constantly monitor
feedback/assess time spent at exhibits/assess effectiveness of graphics etc.
and constantly strive to maximize potential (as opposed to leaving the same
lame-ass graphic up until the plexiglass oxidizes;) 7. Quit copying other
zoos and invent unique approaches. Criminy, I've never seen such an
institution of copycats. 8. Use smaller organisms because you can easily
modify/change exhibits. This means that there's always several new things at
the zoo, and multiple visitations will result (thus higher gate $). 9.
Carefully consider cost/benefit for exhibiting organisms. Spending $5
million on a Congo exhibit only to show 4 species seems to be a huge waste
of very limited coinage. 10. Pick effective education/marketing techniques,
esp. those that teach parents how to take kids to the zoo and have fun and
learn a bunch. Extend the zoo visit into take-home activities/messages that
will be explored further. That's enough. I've to go photograph some timber
rattlers coming out of hibernation. Bye now.
- Date: Tue Apr 16 12:02
Blaine (@work):
- Re: Zoo -- habitat is the obvious and easy answer until you factor in such
necessities as crude oil=gas for SUVs, the desecration of land and resources
in esp (but not limited to)Third World nations/rain forests, and the cheap
labor alternatives those places offer in comparison to us higher evolved
dynasties, where unions and perks like insurance factor in. The human race,
here in the U.S. at least, seems willing to do anything to mainline that
cable tv fix. (and I don't claim to be entirely guilt-free on any of any of
this.) Best bet, as always, is eductation. Thus, Treygoba you are putting yr
money where yr mouth is. (Question: Has any research been done on what parts
of the world have destroyed the highest percentage of native habitat? We
(U.S.)might be up there.) RE: Minutemen -- another yea, Dbl Nickels is a
sprawling delight (much like the Husker bookend Zen Arcade). If that alb esp
clicked for some of us, I'd dare say the Minutemen did not make a bad
record. They chose not to play by the rules punk was becoming. And maybe the
best (non-ironic)covers choices as well. Watt's Engine Room tour a few years
back was stellar. Re: Ubu -- anyone hear the "new" Rocket From the
Tombs" live alb?
- Date: Tue Apr 16 11:47
treygoba (flint hills):
- Global population of 600,000-700,000 African/50,000+ Indian elephants
(Sources: International Fund for Animal Welfare; IUCN; etc.) Although
populations have plummeted due to exploitation for ivory and (mostly)
habitat destruction/alteration, mostly at the hands of cattle grazing. If
elephants are, as you say, aware of their own specific holocaust, why in the
heck would we ever want to put them in a zoo? Many organisms are in much
more dire straits than this. The Ms. mostly works with West Indian reptiles
and amphibians. Some of these species have global populations of 200 or
less; they may be "functionally extinct" already. We probably
cannot save many of these organisms. Our planet is rapidly turning into one
of weeds. A planet of weeds. Those that exhibit characteristics similar to
humans (adaptable (can shift niches), can travel, generalist, high offspring
survivorship and/or high reproductive rate, can handle perturbations, etc.)
will be here with us for the long haul. One thing is certain...we're headed
into an age of biological impoverishment. I certainly agree that the animals
you refer to conjure up deep emotional connections. This is why I referred
to them as "charismatic". But IMO this isn't enough. Why stop
there? These should merely serve as a stepping stone for deeper
understanding. Obviously zoos (if they should exist at all) should/will have
some high ranking cuties (apes, koalas, bears, etc.) But in a zoo full of
fuzzies, there's little opportunity to extend. Thus we merely reinforce the
idea that an organism's worth is dependent on whether a connection is
immediately apparent. When I was a youngster, the sound of the first frog
calls in March didn't perk my ears.As a Thirty years later, however, I've
appreciation for their magical music. Looking into a frogs eyes gets it for
me, as I've developed that connection through one-on-one experience and
education. Centipedes and dandelions and dragonflies and slime molds do it
for me too. I'm not a freak. I've merely had the urge/good fortune to see
past the surface.
- Date: Tue Apr 16 11:14
james s (minutemen):
- I suspected that there would be some double nickle fans here. I was kind
of surprised when my comment about it went by without any response.
- Date: Tue Apr 16 10:58
tHom (on another note entirely):
- What is it about Double Nickles on the Dime? That makes three of us recent
visitors to this site who rank it as a life-changing record - and I know a
fourth at least.
- Date: Tue Apr 16 10:55
Roland (ashram@hotmail.com):
- Any Pere Ubu fans here? Although it's not supposed to be released until
next month, I found a "used" copy of Pere Ubu's new CD "St
Arkansas" at Streetlight Records in SF. The good news is that it's
great, containing several guitar freakouts comparable to 30 Seconds Over
Tokyo. Could be their best since Dub Housing. At only 10 songs, its much
more user friendly than the very good but lengthy "Pennsylvania".
Highly recommended for Ubu fans. The bad news....I guess there isn't any.
- Date: Tue Apr 16 10:54
tHom (the zoo outside the cage):
- Thanks treygoba for the item on zoos. I've visited a few and I guess it's
the sadder ones that tend to stay in your mind, by which I mean the big
fuzzies and birds in cages looking like their lives are a blur of quiet
desperation. So I'd be happy not to see any of those animals in zoos and see
more of the kind of instructive exhibits you mentioned. What really stays
with me (talking about wildlife) is the kind of experiences and sights you
get from visiting national parks. With regard to conservation, I'm sure
you're right when you say it's all about habitat, which would indicate that
the best method would be to ensure these kind of parks are protected. Though
I confess I don't know what I'm talking about.
- Date: Tue Apr 16 10:51
Roland (ashram@hotmail.com):
- Any Pere Ubu fans here? Although it's not supposed to be released until
next month, I found a "used" copy of Pere Ubu's new CD "St
Arkansas" at Streetlight Records in SF. The good news is that it's
great, containing several guitar freakouts comparable to 30 Seconds Over
Tokyo. Could be their best since Dub Housing. At only 10 songs, its much
more user friendly than the very good but lengthy "Pennsylvania".
Highly recommended for Ubu fans. The bad news....I guess there isn't any.
- Date: Tue Apr 16 10:47
JJB (JJB@VGI.Com):
- Fist time seeing GS last Saturday nite. Wow! Awsome to say the least. Had
the pleasure of meeting some of the ban members after the show. Real nice
folks. Walked out with 2 new cds. Definitely won't be the last GS show.
Hopefully Calexico will be coming around this year. A little later than June
from what I was told.
- Date: Tue Apr 16 10:19
trey (via oz):
- Yes. If not from me, who? My advanced course students get it; some sophs
can barely read. BTW- 2 x $.05 on the $.10 changed my life too. Belongs in
everyone's record collection. Riding on the back of a winged horse...through
the skies pearly gray...our love is leaf-like...you and me baby...blah blah
blah
- Date: Tue Apr 16 10:12
mateos (juacala!):
- Great non-GS post, amigo. I like your take on zoos, although I would argue
that elephants - their population has dropped from 20,000,000 in africa not
two centuries ago to a scant few thousand these myopic 21st century days,
and they are intelligent enough to be emotionally damaged by the genocide of
their species - ARE in a heap of trouble. It certainly doesn't mean that
giving them a home in every urban zoo in the world will save their species.
Like my pal said, "Save the whale! Kill the cockroach!" You cannot
rely on society as a whole to think holistically - cuteness and the ability
to personify are as powerful as the aristocratic forces that you mention.
You know, how many times have you stared into a cockroach's eye and seen
something of yourself in there? But a dog! an elephant! When they look at
you...there's a virtually quantifiable emotional connect. As a couple who is
in the position to effect change in this industry, who do you think
educators such as yourselves, and the general public (think of the parents
who's daugher loves the local polar bear in the Tuscon Zoo) can do to bring
about the "obliteration and reinvention from the ground up" of the
nations/globe's zoo condition. Any show reviews would be appreciated. M
- Date: Tue Apr 16 09:59
james s (zoo thread?):
- Thanks for the comments, treygoba. Are you able to express your doubts
about the wisdom of the prevailing economic philosophy and it's effects on
the planet in your classroom? and to think that sniffer said no one had
anything to say on this "bored".
- Date: Tue Apr 16 09:18
treygoba (new zoo review (long)):
- Since the thread is in a domain I'm fairly passionate about, I thought I'd
spout and then take my lumps. Sadly, zoos exist. If they didn't, it would
mean that everything is hunky dory (great album btw). As the spouse of a zoo
curator, I'm intimately familiar with the zooniverse. Interestingly
(considering I'm posting on the GS site), the best zoo I've ever been to is
the Sonoran Desert Museum in Tucson. It isn't really a zoo, but does happen
to have some animals (but I'll get to that later). We both pursued fields
that allow(ed) us to address biodiversity /resource issues (I'm a h.s.
biology teacher). Zoos and aquariums in North America have a mission to: 1.
participate in conservation efforts via: a. in situ/ex situ animal
conservation programs 2. education 3. public service. From what I can tell,
zoos function primarily as amusement parks. Most zoos are even afraid to
teach real science/give important information (thus the avoidance at many
zoos of all evolutionary matters, even though evolutionary theory completely
explains observations/issues observed at the zoo; zoos also will not address
THE PROBLEM...6 billion people projected to top out at 9+ billion with an
unquenchable desire to live the fallacy of the "growth economy"
model). The bottom line is the bottom line. Instead of being conservation
and education leaders, as their mission statements elude, they pander to the
whims of the public. There are supposed to be elephants at the zoo, so by
golly, there'd better be elephants at the zoo... even though elephants: a.
aren't in a heap of trouble like many other organisms, b. cost an inordinate
amount of $ to maintain and c. do not display anything remotely similar to
natural behaviors in a captive setting. The elephant model could be applied
to myriad other charismatic megafauna. Hippos. Rhinos. Giraffes. Lions.
Leopards. Cheetahs. Tigers. Jaguars. Chimps. Orangs. Gorillas. Camels.
Gazelle. Polar bears. Grizzly bears. Water buffalo. Pandas. blah blah blah.
All fuzzies, even though mammals only make up a tiny fraction of all
species. Zoos ought to be trying to convince people the other stuff's cool
too. Hell, everybody thinks a tiger or chimp is worth saving...so why not
spread the resources around the bigger picture. Convince them that ants,
frogs, orchids, catfish, crayfish, roaches, and snakes are cool too.
Zoological institutions argue that if they don't pander (with pandas...get
it?), they won't get the gate receipt. But if they didn't have the freakin'
overhead of maintaining a pride of lions, they wouldn't need the take at the
gate. Zoos that are lucky enough to have moxie-laden visionary
directors/boards have been continually increasing the number of oddball
exhibits...insectariums, other arthropods, increased emphasis on amphibians
and reptiles, subterranean small mammals (naked mole rats), regional
ecosystem exhibits, african cichlids, etc. An lo and behold...guess what?
The most popular exhibits at said zoos are these non-traditional exhibits.
When AZA did rate of return on the $ spent (cost/benefit analysis), guess
what? It's most economically feasible to exhibit small organisms (i.e.
non-traditional). From an educator's standpoint, little guys rule. They can
be displayed in much more naturalistic exhibits, and invariably display a
wider range of "natural" behaviors. Using this as a springboard,
we can then convince people that all of the other critters are worth saving
too. A wide range of critters at the zoo helps teach people that we all do
the same basic things: eat, drink, sleep, grow, reproduce, defend
territories, etc. We're all variations on a theme. Constant exhibition of
organisms most like us (fuzzies), however, does little to accomplish this
goal. Of course we also know how misguided it is to approach conservation
via individual species. Three things have to be addressed for effective
conservation programs: 1. habitat 2. habitat 3. habitat To convince people
that habitats are worth saving, we have to connect their own lives to said
habitats. The Sonoran Desert Museum does an outstanding job of this. It is a
museum that encompasses natural history and human history. Thus it has
Sonoran plants, animals, geology/geography/hydrology, weather,
pre/post-European history, and current issues/future trends. This
integration of all aspects of a habitat/region are what make it effective.
The typical "zoo" approach consists of little chunks of mostly
unrelated info, and since people have difficulty connecting this info. to
their own lives, the education component is woefully ineffective. Keep in
mind too, that zoos were not invented for their current "mission".
They are merely adaptations of aristocratic menageries. To be effective, I
think they need to be obliterated and reinvented from the ground up. What
say you, fellow sandies?
- Date: Tue Apr 16 08:14
james (and the drag about some elks is their dominating sound,
while man is but a monkey with a crown):
- Steve Forbert playing the company picnic. At the zoo. Not bad.
- Date: Tue Apr 16 07:51
Blaine (@thezooallday):
- Recently went to Gatorland in FL. Acres and acres of swampland for gators
of all scars and sizes. A few caged exhibits (one old boy developed a taste
for dogs), but the highlight for me was this lake area where you could walk
out to a maybe 4 story-tall wooden platform tower. You can feel the thing
swaying a bit, but it is safe. You look down and your life is surrounded by
dozens of real-life alligators. (Wonder what the insurance on this joint
is?). Even better from that vantage point you can see the tree-lined lake is
filled with all variety of egrets, cranes, herons, pelicans, flamingos,
vultures and many other birds -- coming and going nonstop. Abutting the
tower was a large tree that served as a high-rise apt for a half dozen
nesting birds. Small local zoos can be, as the hippies say "a
bummer", but even worse are the "game farms" you see around
here. A few sad, misplaced exotic animals in too small cages next to a
tavern out in the sticks. Conversely, the company I work for rents out the
Milwaukee Zoo each year for our employee picnic. They also rent halls for
wedding receptions, and have a music festival there in the summer. Steve
Forbert near the elk was a nice gig.
- Date: Tue Apr 16 02:44
glue sniffer (homosexrules):
- let me ponder my pedals and eat all the cakes, i am the man who hides in
milk shakes, taller than ice but stronger than snow what am i and who do i
know. Ventied my liver lastnight first time in ages (if ages are made of
days prehaps even minuets) i notice a few things recently 1 you guys talk
about some real tripe zoos? last one i went to sold me a big mac and fries
and there was only a counter betwwen you and them. 2 no body realy has
anything to say because we all use this bored in a small hope of making
friends and acnolowging our selfs. 3 as freud said 'not two fingers I said i
wanated 3. 7 if egypitaina people realy were so clever why dint they start
guided tours. thank you for letting me go. i will never do it again
officer.ado agado and neli. lets have drink driving stories i got a
great..........
- Date: Tue Apr 16 02:36
rock on tommy (the whole world keeps on rocking):
- rock on
- Date: Mon Apr 15 17:36
Mateos (creaturas):
- Zoos, huh... Well I have an aversion, though i live in SD, with the finest
animal prison in the world, supposedly. Worst, though, was the San SAlvador
Zoo in El Salvador. Apart from the pinkest hippo in the world - a full on
block of life, a volkswagon bus of flesh with a head - the plave was a
depressing sort of place. the river that runs through the zoo smells of
garbage and canges colors throughout the day, from fuscia to lime green to
milky grey depending on what the nearby factories are disposing of...
There's an elephant named Manjoula - a national treasure!, central american
elephant - who lives on a concrete island and reaches for peanuts over her
moat from adoring children. There's something bent in her eye and between
snacks she acts erratically. Manjoula on the loose in salvador would be a
sight, for the minute they'd let her live before the bbq. "Le da
ganas!" Theres a man-made square concrete lake in the park with a
couple islands in the middle with some eucalypus trees providing shade and a
resting place for an odd assortment of creatures. Monkeys, iguanas, ducks
and turtles all laying out in the sun, hangin together. Quite a sight. the
monkeys and iguanas cant escape eachother and long ago lost interest in
trying to take over the little isles, so they just hang, arm in arm, on the
beach. The turtles and ducks stop in from time to time, adding to the
surreal. The real surprise of the zoo - a relelation really, was the king
vulture. A truly magnificent bird. No zopilote, this. Its large and
beautiful, if macabre. If you don't believe me, see one up close sometime.
Just heard "Space Available Here" out of context - what a cool
tune.
- Date: Mon Apr 15 16:12
J (::I'm having a bad night:: Pedal I
shall########################):
- Is this the place to seek that voice in the wilderness? P.Kerr, I have
spent some down time concocting a sleeve 4 the locals' only disc. Would you
like one? Today I had a very good day at the zoo w/ma famileee. Let's start
a zoo thread. Cairo was my worst, a 'gator in an old bathtub in a cage not
much bigger. P.S. Pedalless is the best Sandman disc to date by far (to
date) Thanks Howe, P.K, Stan-Fam, each.
- Date: Mon Apr 15 14:31
james s (no rating):
- I heard something about Y Tu Mama Tambien on NPR recently. The director
said that if the movie had been cut for a G rating, it would have only been
8 minutes long. Ha. It sounded really good, though it's not showing here. I
hope it does soon though.
- Date: Mon Apr 15 13:31
Mitch (85719):
- Hey, James...it was indeed "M" I threw out there. For its day, I
found it pretty modern and interesting--all that pre-WWII forensic stuff.
Also love "Dreams," by the way. But I'd probably sit through a
3-hour Kurosawa film of someone breathing hard. Just caught a really good
film from Mexico, called "Y Tu Mama Tambien". Was a welcome relief
to see modern Mexico shown without drug dealers or border intrigues. It was
somewhat like "Jule & Jim" but with a twist and another twist.
- Date: Mon Apr 15 12:23
matt (glue sniffer ):
- you've lost me...DAN?
- Date: Mon Apr 15 12:10
james (between the eyes of a horse):
- I found the answer to my own question. Dreams by Akira Kurosawa. Hope all
is well with all here.
- Date: Mon Apr 15 11:39
e (m):
- thank ye, phill.
- Date: Mon Apr 15 11:30
james s (a branch of coral flame):
- Any of you movie buffs know the name of movie done (I think) by a Japanese
director. It is a real arty flick, divided up into different parts or
"short stories". One of them takes place after a nuclear bomb has
gone off; another shows a person going INTO a Van Gogh painting. I saw Ghost
Dog yesterday for the first time. Man, I love Jim Jarmusch. Later. Oh, and
Mitch, Marcia brought home a dvd of "M" yesterday. Haven't seen it
yet though. I believe you once recommended that one.
- Date: Mon Apr 15 06:44
glue sniffer (matt):
- dear mat i know you dont come on all sweet and inocent, saw you long time
ago how are you. i live too once in sunny shropshire and soon am to be in
birmingham but now am in banbuiry. babe i'm a traveling band. ccr any way
love to you all. well i'm still looking for a job so can i have one please.
will grovel. quite nice. see you soon
- Date: Sun Apr 14 14:07
blain (pa showdown):
- saw my boys and girls last nite. Who was the guy on the snoopy harp ?
- Date: Sun Apr 14 11:51
phill (ghog220@cs.com):
- philadelphia show was most enjoyable thanks guys for making one of my
dreams come true. jaw harp in hand and inked with Sand!
- Date: Sat Apr 13 12:40
Rob S (Robtstanier@aol.com):
- Matt(in the sticks). Im from Stourbridge near Birmingham. Our band The
Unspeakable Turks is playing The Glee Club as part of The Songwriters
Festival on 21st May. If you want some free tickets go to
www.theunspeakableturks.com and use contact option or mail me direct. Also
weve loads of demos available if your interested. Sorry to plug but its good
to hear someone relatively close to home.
- Date: Sat Apr 13 11:13
phill (ghog220@cs.com):
- hey POOT Im 7 hours away a from lastU.S. show" most propelled at this
point of the day .ill spit speds on sunday thanks for the RUNDOWN Hell Yea
its a word RUNDOWN
- Date: Sat Apr 13 10:18
Blaine (@workonSat):
- Scott -- please post the Tucson blues artist cd info. Anyone not
interested can feel free to ignore it, but i think we're a fairly
like-minded group here.
- Date: Sat Apr 13 09:05
poot (Hey Phill):
- You should be seeing 7 sanders tonight at the show. Howe, John, Joe,
Saholy, Laureline, a fine feller on trumpet & conch shell (I forget who,
but he was great), and another talented woman on fiddle (violin if you want.
again i forget the name.). Have fun tonight. I wish i could make the drive
down there. Have a Corona for me. -Ptoo
- Date: Sat Apr 13 03:14
Shaun h. (re: james s.):
- hey James, as your humble subject, i gotta 'fess up, it was just a fake
comment after seeing 'celtic chillout', 'classical chillout' etc. endlessly
trawled out on the commercials on the box, and you know what, in the U.K.
they sell by the bucketload. that whole idea of people only buying maybe
half a dozen LPs a year, it still holds true, but they're just all called
'...Chillout'. on a different note, was listening to 'Pedalless' last thing
last night (excellent throughout by the way, and congratulations and thanks
to all concerened), the treatment of "Shiver" reminded me so much
of an old Mick Jones/BIg Audio Dynamite tune "Innocent Child"
(from the slightly less satisfying BAD II period), a tune i loved, but
haven't played in an age. if you've got it tucked away somewhere, dig it out
and remind yourself how good it is.
- Date: Fri Apr 12 19:20
em (re: rundown):
- * is 'rundown' a word?
- Date: Fri Apr 12 19:18
e (m):
- ** eh? eh? woolworths what?? well I likes my giant sand& I likes my
woolworths so it works for me. is it a joke? is it TRUE?? way to end the
day? weird. Is Manny@ the knitting factory tonight?? If Manny's at the
knitting factory tonight, he's gotta give a rundown.
- Date: Fri Apr 12 15:37
james s (re: Shaun H. ):
- You're making that up. Aren't you? At least the Woolworth's part?
- Date: Fri Apr 12 15:32
Shaun H. (p.s. for Scott):
- if Howe and John figure it worthy enough to have played on, i figure it's
gotta be worth a listen. put me down for one.
- Date: Fri Apr 12 15:31
Shaun H. (someone tell me i'm making this up):
- tv advertised compilation rumours: 'Americana Chillout' featuring
"Way To End The Day" by Giant Sand, available now from your local
Woolworths.
- Date: Fri Apr 12 14:12
scott (Howe, John C. on Tom Walbank CD):
- Howe Gelb and John Convertino play on a new album from a Tucson blues
artist. I wanted to check with the folks on this board to see how you'd feel
if I promoted the CD here (most of the $$$ from sales goes direct to the
artist). Solicitations can be cause for great gnashing of teeth on Web
boards. But it's definitely Howe/Giant Sand/Tucson music-related, so I
thought I'd ask. Your thoughts?
- Date: Fri Apr 12 13:47
phill (ghog220@cs.com):
- poot what was the band lineup im seeing the philly show on saturday thank
s
- Date: Fri Apr 12 08:27
poot (Last night everything broke):
- Well, last nights show in Cambridge, MA seemed like an uphill battle for
the Giant Sand orchestra. From faulty stompboxes, to a damaged discman, and
someone complaining they were bored. But! The magic arrived via spontaneous
explanation in song, and they blew the place apart in the encore. I've never
seen so much stuff thrown into a piano before. Geez... Love, pOOt
- Date: Thu Apr 11 23:29
mike ([sa-wa-ro]):
- I don't think anything else is planned for the UK except the May 15 show
at Ocean in London (& Dublin on the 14th).... but Howe is doing some
radio shows at the end of April. Itinery....... On Sunday 28th April Howe
will be live on Nick Stuart (Captin America) Virgin Radio between 10pm and
11pm 2 live acoustic numbers and a chat..... Tuesday 30th XFM - live
acoustic session on John Kennedy show - 2 or 3 songs and interview between
10.30pm - 12.30am...... Plus he is recording sessions for Radio One Blue
Room, Music Choice Europe (Cable Radio) and Student Broadcast Network.
- Date: Thu Apr 11 20:38
phil (ghog220@cs.com):
- saturday phila. pa heart is starting into 48 hour away propultion Im there
- Date: Thu Apr 11 16:43
jason (slander99@yahoo.com):
- In the newest issue of Tower Records' free magazine, a review of
"Cover Magazine" begins by saying Giant Sand "step into
retirement" with this record. Anyone know what this means, if anythin
- Date: Thu Apr 11 14:35
J (wisely blooded):
- Hi Rob, Hi all. Some nice photos of the band at-
http://www.members.tripod.com/karinesphotos/giantsand/
- Date: Thu Apr 11 14:30
matt (out in the sticks):
- not from Birmingham, but its not far from me, not much happens music wise
in shropshire so we get to gigs in Birmingham/manchester/liverpool
usually.....there you go Howe, choose one of those three!!!
- Date: Thu Apr 11 14:05
Rob S ((())):
- Greetings Mitch, hope u r well. Matt, Are U from birmingham? If so
whereabouts? Have we discussed the new Neil Young album yet? Songs Ohia new
one is very good. All tomorrows Parties grows nearer but still no Howe on
the bill. When ya comin to midlands again Howe, maybe a little closer to
Birmingham next time eh? J, what ya up to? The Turks have new one soon. Will
get a copy to you. All the best .
- Date: Thu Apr 11 13:59
Rob S ((())):
- Greetings Mitch, hope u r well. Matt, Are U from birmingham? If so
whereabouts? Have we discussed the new Neil Young album yet? Songs Ohia new
one is very good. All tomorrows Parties grows nearer but still no Howe on
the bill. When ya comin to midlands again Howe, maybe a little closer to
Birmingham next time eh?
- Date: Thu Apr 11 13:52
james s (My doctor says it's time I began.):
- speaking of interesting music and punk rock and the Minutemen, I remember
the lovely fresh air that blew through my ears and mind the first time I
heard Double Nickels on the Dime.
- Date: Thu Apr 11 11:05
C (the light):
- Caveman- Si,Si Tumbleweeds was another punk venue in Tucson. I also saw a
few shows there but seems like I ended up at The Backstage more often. Spent
alot of time in Roads to Moscow record shop as well. It was along time ago.
- Date: Thu Apr 11 10:34
james s ((!!)):
- Amen amen.
- Date: Thu Apr 11 07:55
Jimmy Donaldson (mcallisterjd@tiscali.co.uk):
- Thank the Lord for GIANT SAND, music's become interesting again !!!
- Date: Wed Apr 10 21:13
erwin (AZ time vs CET):
- well mitch.. it's almost 6 am over here, and i think maybe some sage
advice for me would be to hit the sack.. goodnight & enjoy.. maybe some
other time
- Date: Wed Apr 10 21:02
Mitch (85719):
- Well, let's have a beer anyway, erwin. I'll begin sipping at 9:30pm
Arizona time.
- Date: Wed Apr 10 20:51
erwin (8 of them east (of eden)):
- i remember mitch loving terence malick. now truffaut. robert frank as
well. i guess we could go have a beer. the timezones inbetween may be a
problem, though..
- Date: Wed Apr 10 19:04
Mitch (85719):
- With you on that, Tom. That Truffaut film is in my top 10.
- Date: Wed Apr 10 17:39
paulk (as per usual):
- Any chance of the tracks (Iron man live and pilgtim)from the japanese
issue of covers appearing on the MP3 page a la Chore?
- Date: Wed Apr 10 17:34
tom (belgique):
- Stumbled into 'Les quatre cent coups'. 1959 Truffaut. Weird things on
television around here, at night. One for my list of 5 essential films.
- Date: Wed Apr 10 16:41
Mitch (85719):
- Hey, Rob, good to see you floating around again. And good to see Em
further down the way. Thought I'd pass on a couple of flicks I just saw:
"George Washington" (USA; 2000), beautiful and strange film, has
that Malik-thing going on in it--anyone else seen this one?; "Bejing
Bicycle" (China; 2001), takes The Bicycle Thief theme and turns it
upside-down--I'm told by Pete that the actual Chinese title is
"Seventeen-Year-Old Bicycle".
- Date: Wed Apr 10 14:50
matt (beg like a dog):
- so Howe, any chance of there being more than just one show in the uk????
PLEASE!!!! come to birmingham i hear its lovely this time of year........
- Date: Wed Apr 10 13:44
Rob S (((The Sun Is Shining))):
- Howdy, have not posted for a while due to excess of things to do, lots of
new voices. England is finally warming up, so im feeling altogether positive
again. My boy is now 4 1/2 months young, hes a handful but loveable.Best
Wishes to everyone in Sandland. Its good to be back.Rob UK
- Date: Wed Apr 10 09:45
trey (from former cretaceous seabed):
- I'm feeling sort of greedy, so I'll say....my.
- Date: Wed Apr 10 09:41
james s (zip):
- thats a pretty serious statement, INKED! The DEFINITE article. I'm feeling
more indefinite so I'll just say... A (or an)
- Date: Tue Apr 9 17:48
INKED WITH SAND (ghog220@cs.com):
- the
- Date: Tue Apr 9 16:09
caveman (whitedesk):
- I think It was Tumbleweeds on 4th Ave. where all the punk bands
played............Minutemen, Black Flag, Meat Puppets. Man that was a long
time ago...............bikers, old drunks & punks.
- Date: Tue Apr 9 16:06
caveman (whitedesk):
- I think It was Tumbleweeds on 4th Ave. where all the punk bands
played............Minutemen, Black Flag, Meat Puppets. Man that was a long
time ago...............bikers, old drunks & punks.
- Date: Tue Apr 9 14:14
Jim Kotsonas (schlaff@pacbell.net):
- Got this off of the Thrill Jockey site. This is for the person who asked
about the number of tracks on the lp vs. the cd: PLEASE NOTE: Due to a
mastering technicality, although listed on the album track listing, the last
three songs do not appear on the vinyl edition of "Cover
Magazine". As well, the tracks listed for side A appear on side B, and
the transverse occurs for side B to A. We apologize for any inconvenience
that this may cause.
- Date: Tue Apr 9 11:45
treygoba (ahhhhzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz):
- Any word on GS tour beyond Philly? I see some posters are referring to
European shows. The Ms. and I are looking for an excuse to use frequent
flyer miles/vacation time. I've a jones to see some Tour de France stages
too. Alignment again? Can serendipity strike twice in one year?
- Date: Tue Apr 9 10:38
Adrian (underthesurface):
- Following up a few things below. M Ward's first album 'Duet For Guitars'
also came out as a joint endeavour by two European labels... you can get it
fairly easily from Glitterhouse's very good mail-order division at
www.glitterhouse.com or Rough Trade keep having copies crop up in their
Ladbroke Grove branch, they too do mail-order at www.roughtrade.com Probably
a lot cheaper than a Japanese import... but then there's extra tracks
hmmmm... Mike, the CDR you did and the tape I did of suggestions for the
Giant Sand '80's-prequel' compilation got lost in the mail en route to
Howe... so that may have slowed things up...maybe do another CDR to
send/give to Howe direct? ... bye now
- Date: Tue Apr 9 10:20
Alan (wastelanded in MI) (rudya@msu.edu):
- Got back last night at 2AM from the Detroit show and couldn't agree with
Blaine more... sparkling, even if there were only 40 of us there to see 'em.
Just made the ratio of musicians to audience better. (Was a major drag to
have the next thing I did be teaching 115 (of 235) recalcitrant undergrads
during exam prep for a book on environmental injustice in Gary, IN... a city
GS must've driven through en route from Chicago to Detroit.) Me, I loved the
etherial joy of the interplay between Rainer's "The Farm," via CD,
and the band... The trumpeter's c,c,c,conch was beautiful as well!
Apparently, Chicago's audience sang along perfectly the first time around
and around... whereas Detroit's back 40 failed to produce critical mass-tery
of "ki-kiki-ki" and "grthpth-thpt-ctht"... Glorious
deconstruction of The Beat Goes On. Sadly, no Happenstance or Fingernail
Moon, but, heck, after having 'em cancel a SF show opening for Uncle Tupelo
in 93 (Pappy?) and waiting a total of 14 years... I'm just gonna glow for a
while.
- Date: Tue Apr 9 10:16
james s (well, uh, hum....):
- I must confess that it was not a slip of the keys. I haven't seen the Deer
Hunter. I've known about it forever, probably even flipped by it on the
tube, but... haven't settled and watched.
- Date: Tue Apr 9 10:03
tHom (getting even warmer):
- Blaine, thanks for the write-up on the Chicago show, just whets my
appetite even more for London next month. james s, I cannot believe you have
never seen The Deer Hunter. Surely it's physically impossible not to have
crossed paths with that film on a re-run somewhere in the last twenty years.
But your comment was probably a slip of the keys and you've really seen it
anyway, right? But as for Don't Look Now ... Well, if you haven't seen that
then you are in for a treat. I urge you to check it out, pronto.
- Date: Tue Apr 9 08:30
Blaine (back@work):
- Saw/heard/felt the Sand in CHI on Sunday night. Weren't there a few
disgruntled posters from the early tour dates? Not sure what you folks
witnessed, but this gig was truly different from any Giant Sand performance
I've seen and would prob put it in the top 2 that I've been in the rm for.
Not sure how a person could get bored with what was happening onstage. Howe
seems to have replaced Phil Niekro as the alltime great knuckleballer and
John&Joe just seem to smile and wait for the wobble of next-said pitch.
They were loud; they were quiet / they were introspective; they were
laughing it up. Howe swapping from acoustics to pno to red Gretsch; discman
dj; occas usage of 2nd effected mic -- and the various plugging and
unpluggings must have been the soundguy's nightmare (props to him by the way
- big guy with long hair -- recalling him at the board for many good CHI
gigs past.) Susan Voelz on Romany violin was great and just plain rode the
wave as well. Trumpet guy was cool and atmospheric, and the French ladies
seemed to be having as much fun as the audience. Maybe they were a little
tentative about playing on all the tunes, but with 7 musicians onstage,
space is the place. Very nice to hear "You Can't Put Yr Arms Around a
Memory". Howe summed things up best when they came out for an encore
and asked for requests, saying. "we'll only play ones we don't
know." Tying this back to the movies tangent, a friend (whom I've been
trying to turn on to Giant Sand for years,) said the gig was amazing and
compared the musical morphing to Mullholland Drive. Endnote: just saw recent
movie American Perfekt w/Amanda Plummer and Robert Towne(?) - pretty good in
a Coen/noir way.
- Date: Tue Apr 9 02:25
mike ([sa-wa-ro]):
- Regarding 'Duet For Guitars' - this has sold at at the OwOm Store some
time ago, but is being re-released with extra tracks on a Japanese label.
Check out Matt's blurb on his part of the site. Tom at Loose contacted me
some time ago about them compiling an early Giant Sand 'best of'....haven't
heard from them since I sent them a CDR of tracks that haven't been on any
'best ofs' so far. I think Howe is also picking some tracks.
- Date: Mon Apr 8 20:01
Job (The Land of Hatchy Milatchy):
- Hey Helix Unsolicited e-mail is a no-no. If I see you now I'll have to
unstuff you and it'd pain me a tad and be a considerable blow to my self
esteem to be picking on a hand puppet---not that I wouldn't enjoy it,I
imagine you'd look pretty good hangin on my wall.
- Date: Mon Apr 8 18:19
e (m):
- **Hi JAmes. I just happened to drop in and there you are beaconing me! how
nice. Chris G?? Howe?? eh? eh? I just recently arrived back home from a
trip& was finally able to listen to unsungglum and it made me very very
happy. frontage road's amazing. and spun. well nighty night. hope everyone's
doing great.
- Date: Mon Apr 8 17:03
PaulK (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):
- Just got the Loose newsletter in the post. There's a review of the
Barbican gig (photographs by laurent), a short interview with Howe and a
promise of a release of an album of "early Giant Sand classics".
Anyone have any info on this. The website at loosemusic ain't saying
nothin'. paul
- Date: Mon Apr 8 15:28
tim l (tjlesk@aol.com):
- had the distinct pleasure of catching m ward at tonic in new york on sat.
and with g.s coming this weekend its a fine place to be indeed. searched
high and low for a copy of duet for guitars vol 2 with no luck and having
now heard some of the songs am only in greater need of a listen, if any you
folks have any tips, where i might come across a copy, id much appreciate
them. otherwise do try an catch mr ward if he's coming near you, believe hes
touring w cat power these days, and hopefully doing more of these solo sets
on the side, it was really something. thanks
- Date: Mon Apr 8 14:38
james s (the room where the piano was):
- Oh, sorry Paul, I see you guessed THE TENANT. Free hat for you too. Chris
G still lurking here? Em? Frak? Howe? Guess I need to dig up some Polanski
flicks.
- Date: Mon Apr 8 12:10
james s (I figured she was probably sleeping):
- So, Wiseblood was the only correct guess? Go J. I think Don't Look Back
and Wiseblood are the only ones I've seen.
- Date: Mon Apr 8 11:31
mike ([sa-wa-ro]):
- .....ok...here's the movie list - DON'T LOOK NOW - DON'T LOOK BACK -
STRAIGHT, NO CHASER - THE FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS - THE DEER HUNTER - WISE
BLOOD - THE TENANT
- Date: Mon Apr 8 05:33
treygoba (oh yeah (barry white voice)):
- How could I forget Vincent Gallo's masterful ditty "Buffalo
'66". Can he do it again, or was that a fluke of a lifetime? A definite
must see (lather, rinse, repeat).
- Date: Mon Apr 8 05:27
tHom (waiting in line):
- All the furore over the recent West Coast shows has certainly heightened
my anticipation for when the gs tour crosses the pond. And now I've seen my
first ad in this week's Time Out for the London show on May 15th I can
hardly wait. Now summer really is on the way. Great promo photo by the way,
probably the best I've seen of the band.
- Date: Sun Apr 7 20:24
Buffalo (66):
- Scott Wood gets what he deserves!
- Date: Sun Apr 7 19:44
Chris Honigman (ehonigman@earthlink.net):
- I just Bought "Cover Magazine" the vynil version and there are
three songs missing, the last three. I am a fan and think that "Cover
Magazine" is a great record, but what's the story. Is the full version
only available on CD?
- Date: Sun Apr 7 15:50
Mr. Kerr (Front row):
- Looking forward to a night at the movies, now who's sending the popcorn?
Has anyone seen the awesome El Topo by Jodorowski? Very bizarre movie.
- Date: Sun Apr 7 15:05
J (changed,seetree):
- No comments on those Shaun, but Hi to you and Mr.Kerr, and Mr.Gregory, and
the family of unspeakable turkness. Very kind and generous folk, found right
here in Sandland. Also, Helix, Nahhhh! P.S. Glad to see Wiseblood in there,
phew, do I get a prize?
- Date: Sun Apr 7 14:57
Shaun H. (still at the movies):
- just checking in, and seeing it's a little quiet out there, thought i'd
just mention i'm currently recording a triple bill of movies for dear Mr.
Kerr, up there in Glasgow - 'Trees Lounge', 'Palookaville' + 'Buffalo 66'.
any thoughts on these, without giving the plot away for Paul? [actually, i
think only one of 'ems actually got a plot, so don't worry].
- Date: Sat Apr 6 22:49
Bulky (-):
- .
- Date: Sat Apr 6 20:04
Helix D. Monster (helixdmonster@aol.com):
- Hello! My name is Helix D. Monster. I am a monster hand puppet. I have
orange fur and pointy horns. Helix also has a website: www.helixdmonster.com
Helix is conducting an experiment called, "Can a monster hand puppet
make the band?". Helix is trying to join Fraggle Rock. So far, he's had
no luck. You see, Helix has yet to develop vocal cords so you can't sing.
His paws are too furry so he can't play any musical instruments. Helix's one
hope to make it as a rock star is to convince famous human musicians to
agree to tour with Helix! Would Giant Sand be interested in doing this gig?
Please visit Helix's website: www.helixdmonster.com and let Helix know!
- Date: Sat Apr 6 19:39
Helix D. Monster (helixdmonster@aol.com):
- Hello! My name is Helix D. Monster. I am a monster hand puppet. I have
orange fur and pointy horns. Helix also has a website: www.helixdmonster.com
Helix is conducting an experiment called, "Can a monster hand puppet
make the band?". Helix is trying to join Fraggle Rock. So far, he's had
no luck. You see, Helix has yet to develop vocal cords so you can't sing.
His paws are too furry so he can't play any musical instruments. Helix's one
hope to make it as a rock star is to convince famous human musicians to
agree to tour with Helix! Would Giant Sand be interested in doing this gig?
Please visit Helix's website: www.helixdmonster.com and let Helix know!
- Date: Sat Apr 6 17:59
tom ((__* _ - __)):
- always good to hear some news coming out of the direction of mr walt,
songs : ohia, billie, bonnie, mrs aretha, citizen kane, mclusky, the Dude,
mc5, spandau ballet, W.H. Burroughs, Kurt Wagner,Victoria Williams, Federico
Fellini, Sam Pecinpah, and mr. Blackwood. No pun intended.
- Date: Sat Apr 6 15:25
paul (ouch):
- Now that's not very nice, have you written to all the lists that don't
like you?
- Date: Sat Apr 6 12:14
ben (carissaswierd@yahoo.com):
- HEy all you bastards, We had a good time touring with Giant Sand up the
coast, and are truly grateful to them for the oppurtunity to play for you
all. Sorry that most of you didn't really "feel our extreme brand of
emotional plop". Please let us know how we can be a better act for
those who never have and never will. BEN and Carissas Wierd.
- Date: Sat Apr 6 07:01
Walt (alterway@hotmail.com):
- Great Artwork on 'pedalless'. I can't wait to get the sound that goes with
it. I'll see you in Toronto next week, so put on your happy face and display
the joy of music. "Chill man, for the chill has come to stay and hope
the thrill will never leave the soul. You deserve to dance the way you want
and flood the land of disco. Boogie Woogie paints the sky with fools and
wisdom. Show your teeth when smiling and cry your tender heart boiled steak
if curry is the norm. Music is for me and you and the whole world to feel
the beat of passion, you. Clear sound waves slam the shores of land and
connects us with nature. Don't let them fool the fool who is not willing to
listen to the sound of night and day. Stay awake and drink the water, for
the inner ear maintains the balance." You are here.
- Date: Fri Apr 5 18:08
Tommy Gailer (big-scroller):
- Paul: we had a discussion on the wilco-board: which film-person would you
like to be in real life...and my scottish partner wrote "i would like
to be Lebowski"...cool...%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Mike, i only know that Howe
liked "Amelie" a lot...!!!!!!!!!!!!!most underrated movie i bought
on DVD: Spielbergs "A.I."...made me think about a lot of things...
- Date: Fri Apr 5 16:46
paul (movies):
- It was Mike, will you spill the beans on the movie list? Uncut does not
have a website where you can read the list and our American friends have to
wait for the magazine.
- Date: Fri Apr 5 16:42
Paul (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):
- Ok, I can't remember who started the Howe movie thread, I suppose it's up
to them to list the lot, sometime soon? Anyway, my take on this, I've
actually seen all of these and moreso dug each and every one. In particular
the Polanski films. Regarding Repulsion I remember vividly the first time I
saw it, late night show at the glasgow Film Theatre, awesome, spine
tingling, surreal. The other Polanski is a gas, the soundtrack has been
picked up by Stereolab who dig the composer. Sharon Tate is a weird pin up,
I can't separate her on the screeen from the whole Manson mess, I don't know
if that adds a frisson to seeing her in full bloom, almost in some weird
necrophiliac sense. If it wasn't for Manson would we remember her? Another
Polanski film which revisits some of the Repulsion territory is "The
tennant", starring the man himself. And who can forget his noseslashing
scene in Chinatown? Lots of movies, lots of sounds, not lots of time.
Threads like this help me look to stuff stashed away and forgotten. Tomorrow
I'll dig out cul de sac, another Polanski movie and groove on the weirdness
of it. The Big Lebowski rules at the moment. Paul
- Date: Fri Apr 5 09:29
tHom (this movie thing):
- So Wise Blood was in there and I'm obviously in a minority of one here as
far as that movie's concerned, never having been able to sit through it even
once. A couple of Polanskis ... but I won't spoil the speculative fun any
further except to say that there's no doing of Dallas or Debbie. But anyone
who wants to get ahold of the recently released Mclusky Do Dallas will find
themselves listening to a very fine album. A good weekend to one and all.
- Date: Fri Apr 5 09:16
treygoba (broken record):
- Mike Figgis' "Timecode". There. I nailed the movie that most
resembles the concept of Giant Sand. Top that one. Don't know if it's on the
Howe list though.
- Date: Fri Apr 5 09:02
treygoba (and...):
- Baby Snakes or 2001 Motels? Which Kubrik? Dr. Strangelove I thinkst.
- Date: Fri Apr 5 08:07
james s (zip):
- The Birds (Hitchcock)? The Blob? Dancing Outlaw? I've seen Wise Blood
about three thousand times, could recite it from memory. Dallas Does Dallas?
- Date: Fri Apr 5 05:07
jpr (@the movies):
- didn't howe mention 'night of the hunter' some time ago? too lazy to
search the board...
- Date: Fri Apr 5 03:46
mike ([sa-wa-ro]):
- Wise Blood - yes....... Bird... hmmmmm close
- Date: Thu Apr 4 23:37
seybold (seybold_powers@yahoo.com):
- Great show from the Giant Sand Orchestra in Seattle--highlight for me was
"You Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory," with Howe playing
barrelhouse piano--nice change after listening to the Johnny Thunders
version 10 billion times since a tough breakup. And sure didn't expect to
hear "Seldom Matters". Howe started off playing a few solo songs,
including a great, faster version of "Saint Conformity". Anyone
arrange their CD/album collection thematically? My Giant Sand collection
shares the top shelf with the Walkabouts, for what it's worth...
- Date: Thu Apr 4 22:56
Mitch (85719):
- Amacord? Beach Blanket Bingo? Debbie Does Debbie?
- Date: Thu Apr 4 19:08
james s (___---___):
- Eraserhead? Bikini Carwash II?
- Date: Thu Apr 4 18:54
Mitch (85719):
- Possibly...Badlands?
- Date: Thu Apr 4 16:37
J (:::movies:::):
- Wiseblood? Picnic at hanging rock?
- Date: Thu Apr 4 15:22
kf (pdx):
- seattle show was giant sand perfection......the crocodile is the best.
thanks howe for your kindness. must sleep now......................
- Date: Thu Apr 4 11:13
Marta DeLeon (mdeleon@seattleweekly.com):
- Hey Howe & Gang, Sparkly show last night in sea town. Left feeling
loved w/ the smile of the crowd still in my morning. So about the Seattle
gift "Mass Transit", we hope you like it. 15 bands from here. My
band the Getter Flash and the other Az transplant that you met last nite-
Paul's band Deception Pass is on there -back to back tracks. A little NW
flavor for the long Summer ahead. hope the rest of your tour is beautiful-
you are all very generous, winks and blinks' Marta d.
- Date: Thu Apr 4 09:54
tHom (outside the bashful bandit):
- Mitch, thanks for the unibrow explanation. I realise now it was just
another way of describing idle ruminations. And thanks for the Hal Wilner
info; I'll check it out. The Michael Franti recommendation too. ALthough
I'll wait to see what Shaun has sent me ... Hey Shaun, how's it going? With
these CDs you are really spoiling me (ambassador). I just realised I still
owe you that Robert Wyatt, so I'll send it off tomorrow. For those of you in
luckier lands, I am happy to report that here in the UK the sun has shone
all week. I knew you all really needed to know that :)
- Date: Thu Apr 4 09:43
trey (goba):
- "Night of the Living Dead"? "In the Realm of the
Senses"? "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls"? "Do the Right
Thing"? "Bottle Rocket"? "Bird"?
"Memento"? Kieslowski's colors trilogy? "Blade Runner"?
Sergio Leone? (too easy) "Crumb"? "Fast, Cheap, and Out of
Control"? "The Iron Man"? Is that 10? Oh. Should we make a
list and put odds on them?
- Date: Thu Apr 4 08:49
james s (Re::):
- Carnival of Souls, perhaps?
- Date: Thu Apr 4 07:55
Mitch (85719):
- Sounds good to me, Mike--let's crawl!!! God, I can't imagine Howe's 7. Is
A Clockwork Orange in there?
- Date: Thu Apr 4 07:39
mike ([sa-wa-ro]):
- This months (May!!) Uncut magazine has an article on Howe's 7 favourite
late night movies. If you haven't read the mag.... see if you can guess
them? ....So Mitch, are we doing a pub crawl?
- Date: Thu Apr 4 06:27
trey (tharrison@eldoradoschools.org):
- To Mark Alan from Eugene: Are you a lurker? If so, email me off of the
comment board so I can get your address. Trey from Oz
- Date: Thu Apr 4 05:51
Paul (92056):
- Not sure but I think I saw that Sandworm 7" on the jukebox.
- Date: Thu Apr 4 03:51
Mitch (85719):
- I suspect it must be quite similar to burping the worm--well, maybe, I
guess I need to go inside the place to find out for sure. Ah, but nothing
like that coy Bashful Bandit smiling from the mural on the side of the
building. Come to think of it, Mike, maybe when you're here we should all
venture inside, whatcha think?
- Date: Thu Apr 4 03:05
mike ([sa-wa-ro]):
- ...."I've Eyed the Bashful Bandit".... sounds like something
from Roger's Profanisaurus ........similar to burping the worm?
- Date: Wed Apr 3 18:44
Mitch (85719):
- Oh, man, Paul, you're much braver than I am. I've eyed The Bashful Bandit
several times, but haven't yet found the courage to step inside. Maybe if my
Harley-driving biker pal Chad ever visits, I'll have someone with me who
knows how to navigate that inner-zone. Just worry if I go in alone I'll look
like...well...a snack.
- Date: Wed Apr 3 17:21
Paul Rittman (92056):
- Mitch, talk about scary, as a newcomer to Tucson in 1983 I stunbled into
the Bashful Bandit after a night of carousing. Can't remember the lingo in
there and don't really want to.
- Date: Wed Apr 3 16:14
james s (symbiotica):
- Priceless information, Mitch. That is so dope!
- Date: Wed Apr 3 15:59
Mitch (85719):
- Great on Norwegian Wood, James. Give me your thoughts when you're done,
I'm curious. All right, here's some new lingo to pepper your
verbage-utterances: According to Snoop Dog on The Last Call, the current
word of choice is "Chu-ch." Like "church", but not
quite. Application: A friend plays you a brand new Giant Sand song you've
never heard before, and it's fantastic--you turn to your friend, nodding,
and say, "Chu-ch." So I guess it's like "sweet." Or, as
an affable replacement for "cheers" when clinking drink mugs
together.
- Date: Wed Apr 3 15:40
james s (Re:DUDE!):
- Ahh, Mitch, life in a college town. You've got the language down.
"That's so dope!" is a new one to me though; don't think I've
heard that one. I think I'll start peppering my own lingo with it to see if
anyone notices and comments (to my face). Picked up Norwegian Wood
yesterday.
- Date: Wed Apr 3 14:46
james s (yo la lambchop):
- I saw Lambchop open for Yo La Tengo in an old theatre in Nashville about
two years ago. Really REALLY good show, from the first song of the Chop set
(a long and haunting version of "Butcher Boy") to the last fade of
Tengo feedback.
- Date: Wed Apr 3 14:40
Mitch (85719):
- Thanks, C. I think The Wildcat is still a scarey, frat bar--scarey in the
sense that it's a frat bar ("Dude--! Woooooo--! F*&kin'-A--that
rocks! Dude, that's so dope! Wooooooo--!").
- Date: Wed Apr 3 14:27
mateos (estilo muy raro):
- Yeah, just moved down to San Diego from SF in October. Still getting a
feel for the local haunts, but I've dug up and dug a few so if you want some
tips, I'll try and hook you up. Seems like theres a taste for Lambchop in
here - anyone catch Yo La Tengo playing a run of 4 shows at the Great
American Music Hall in SF about 1.5 years ago? Lambchop opend up and it was
glorious - three bassists. I saw the late-added matinee show - it started at
2 pm on sunday. What a hoot! and YLT was brilliant as well, though muted.
sailbystars@hotmail.com
- Date: Wed Apr 3 14:19
Shaun H. (Mr. Franti):
- hey tHom, Shaun here (over in Forest Gate), how ya doing budd. can concur
w/ Mitch as 'HOME' being the best place to start, and obviously the best
place to go back to, but in between you should really try and get a hold of
the 'LIVE AT THE BAOBAB' cd direct from the official website. it features
that song you woulda heard on Mystery Men - "Sometimes", which
itself also features on the latest lp 'STAY HUMAN'. for a general overview,
check your mail in a day or 2.
- Date: Wed Apr 3 14:16
C (light):
- I am not positive but I always understood that D Boone was driving back
from Phoenix to Pedro after visiting a friend in Phoenix when he had the
accident. The Wildcat was a scary college frat bar most of the time. Not
sure what it is now.
- Date: Wed Apr 3 14:09
Mitch (85719):
- Thanks for that info, C. I drive by the Wildcat often, and for the life of
me can't seem to imagine The Sandworms stepping past its doorway. Last
question, was The Backstage on 4th where the Minutemen played just prior to
D. Boone's fatal fall? Or was it somewhere else, Phoenix perhaps? Have
always wondered about that as well.
- Date: Wed Apr 3 14:00
C (light):
- Mitch - It is the same Wildcat House...they would have "new
wave" shows there on occasion. Chris Burroughs and the Nationals played
with the Sandworms that night. Handed out the 7"... I believe the
following night they played at the Devil House here in Tempe. The Stumble
Inn is what I believe is now The Rock, Ninos was torn down... it was on 1st
ave near Speedway and was kind of a cowboy punk bar. I saw Black Flag there
a couple of times (there's another stub). The Backstage on 4th across from
the food cooperative was also happening in the early 80's in Tucson...Thats
where Husker Du, Minutemen,and such would play.
- Date: Wed Apr 3 13:55
Mitch (85719):
- Hi, THom, just re-read your post. No, don't mind the questions at all, so
always ask away. Paul can probably give you a better rundown on Hal Willner
than I can, but what I do know is that over the last fifteen or so years he
has produced a series of unique tribute/homage CDs, featuring the likes of
Tom Waits, Lou Reed, Elvis Costello, Robbie Robertson and others doing the
songs of Nino Rota, Monk, Mingus, Disney tunes, and the Carl Sterling
Project (the guy who did the Looney Tunes). As I think Paul mentioned
previously, he's also produced CD for William S. Burroughs, Ginsberg, and
Lou Reed...Marianne Faithfull, too, I'm pretty sure. Other than that, don't
know much else about him. As for Michael Franti/Spearhead, I've always liked
Home.
- Date: Wed Apr 3 13:49
mike ([sa-wa-ro]):
- Ol' Fred Mills has an interview with Howe at http://www.metrotimes.com/
.... and follow the link from Giant Sand on the home page.
- Date: Wed Apr 3 13:44
Mitch (85719: half-awake, sipping the coffee with puffy eyes):
- Wow, the board has been a-jumpin' since my last check in. I'm most
impressed by everyone's tickect stubs (was gonna say stubs, but decided
otherwise), everyone from Lambchop to Modest Mouse to Los Lobos and The Soft
Boys, even Rush was in there somewhere. So we're an electic bunch, clearly.
C in Phx, was gonna ask you, was the Wildcat House where you saw The
Sandworms at the same location as now--on Stone? Just curious. Also, THom,
okay the "uni-brow" was just me being meaningless, again. The
unibrow being that hair that sometimes connects both eyebrows (growing
thickly right above the bridge of the nose), making it look like one long
brow across the forehead. Seems you asked something else. I'll re-scroll and
respond, if needed.
- Date: Wed Apr 3 13:32
kf (pdx):
- C- i flew into town for that show.....probably was standing next to ya. it
was a show unlike any other to be sure......
- Date: Wed Apr 3 13:18
c (light):
- KF - thats the way I like them too. Shiver and Home, thats when the real
fun starts. I remember at the last Rainer tribute where Solar Culture was
packed during the Calexico set and by the time Giant Sand got up on stage
the place was a 1/4 full. I had an amazing time watching Howe and Polly Jean
from about 5 feet. James S. - I like Yer Ropes too but only the the Low Down
Rider type version but would have to admit I would rather hear "Balls
to The Wall" Happenstance for same release.
- Date: Wed Apr 3 12:27
johnny pirant ( - - : : - -):
- hey mateos. like your style. us pirants are headed down to san diego area
this friday til thurs. wonderin' if you could be so bold as to give me your
email so i could get some tips and chat off the board. hasta,
- Date: Wed Apr 3 11:35
kf (pdx):
- portland show was amazing....half the people left half way thru....which
means it was just how i like em.....they heard shiver and went home to their
cd collection.....but hey.....everyones got their opinion
- Date: Wed Apr 3 11:29
james s (Getting your wiles, are you?):
- I imagine that if, in the middle of any given GS show, the band went into
a straight-forward balls to the wall "Yer Ropes", the audience
would tremble with orgasmic joy, I mean, who wouldn't want to hear "Yer
Ropes"? I would enjoy having the chance to see them do anything live,
even if it's more performance art than "Yer Ropes"! I mean I do
have a killer version of the song on record, and I can play that most
anytime I like. I like the way Mitch put it concerning the live thing, about
"surfing", and the way Convertino put it, about "reading a
book". Don't get on that wave with too many expectations, ride it,
experience it as it happens. If you don't like the ride, big deal. It's
subjective isn't it? This board is fun the last couple of days. I hope Howe
still peeks into this place sometimes. I'd love to get his imput.
- Date: Wed Apr 3 11:04
treygoba (armpit usa):
- I noticed a few posts ago that someone insinuated that the other band
members were bored. From interviews and attitudes and longevity, I am only
left to conclude that John and Joe absolutely love playing as part of GS.
The challenge of creating in the moment happenings with Howe has to be
rewarding. These guys, from what I can tell, pull it off like no others. If
these guys were bored, why in the heck would they tour via vans, set up/take
down their own equipment, sometimes play to audiences that would rather
discuss the new Bush album, etc. and make minimal coin? Must be something in
it for them too.
- Date: Wed Apr 3 11:02
C (the lightning):
- The Nita's show in Phoenix, In my opinion was a standard Giant Sand show.
Howe played with the effects gadgets... went back & forth between piano
& guitar...picked up the harmonica...noodled about...the rest of the
band tried to fiqure out what he was going to do next. Walkman did not work
he tried to fix it but gave up...I thought it has great how the Candy Prunes
tried to fiqure it out and have seen others in that position including Polly
Jean. That is standard Howe fare...What were you expecting? What did you
have in mind for the show...did you want hear "Yer Ropes"?
- Date: Wed Apr 3 10:32
mateos (cara de guineos):
- And my response is that I'm not sure there is a standard Giant Sand show.
And thats what makes it fun. Let me paraphrase dylan - we always did feel
the same way we just saw it from a different point of view. To swerve is to
defy standards.
- Date: Wed Apr 3 10:22
C (the light):
- I am not trying to convince you to like Giant Sand live. I am trying to
stress that Giant Sand live may not be for everyone. I believe what you
witnessed the other night is a standard Giant Sand show. If you did not like
the show you most likely will not ever like a live Giant Sand show. Swerve
is what they do ...some shows more than others.
- Date: Wed Apr 3 10:01
really, bad liver ( - - original - -):
- Mateos, you've made a mistake. Actually, I've enjoyed most of your
postings. And there is an imposter calling me an imposter. Shame. Are you
folks waking and baking or what?? - the real bad liver, beanpole in hand
- Date: Wed Apr 3 09:42
mateos (el fulano):
- I'm callin' you out, C, as a poseur. I'm a true Giant Sand fan and you are
not. You can try try try all you want but WE all know that you are a fake.
You can wave those ticket stubs all you want, but WE know you made them on
your scanner. Baaahahaha.... Sorry - i'm only joking. But i certainly didn't
want to question your Giant Sandhood. Basically, its a great debate for live
performance attendees. My dad loves bob dylan, but can't stand him live -
"the songs just don't sound the same as on record." Well, I'm a
Dylan junkie too, but I get off on hearing his variations on his own
material, his one-note guitar solos, his first-to-second-to-third person
shifts that change the entire meaning of his lyrics, and I even have a
morbid fascination for hearing how truly wretched one of the greatest
artists of the 20th century could sound in his bloated late 70's - through
late 80's period. for me, part of the appreciation of an artist is knowing
the bandwidth. I love Rush fans. Not a big fan of the band (in fact I've
enjoyed saying they suck for a long time because Rush fans are so passionate
in their defense "Neil Pert has a pHd in Philosophy and wrote all the
lyrics" "Haven't you heard the Trees?" "Bytor and the
Snow Dog, man!" I know, Geddy can't sing, but he rocks on bass"
yadda yadda) but my friend loved then live because he said Alex Lifeson
could play the solos "exactly like on the record". For me, how fun
is that? I get off on improvisation too much. Bands who are in for the long
haul will have some good nights and some bad nights. I mean, can't a person
be critical without bringing on the wrath of the "true fans"? I'm
just a rookie, C. But I want to be cool like you.
- Date: Wed Apr 3 09:39
jpr (@ the music shelf with a bad bad liver):
- never thought of bands in terms of 'delivering'. can't fulfill everyone's
expectation, can you? and yes: neil young is predictable and in his
predictability (?) good (as is howe, in his universe). it just isn't
straight rock anymore, it's a different genre.
- Date: Wed Apr 3 09:38
Bad Liver (there's an imposter):
- That last post from "Bad Liver" was not Bad Liver. I am Bad
Liver and I love the Cult of Howe and would gladly eat anything Howe feeds
me.
- Date: Wed Apr 3 09:15
clunky (in SF):
- Bad liver - Let me get this straight, Howe in the same strain as Trey or
Jerry? curious thought but I would not associate Giant Sand as a Jam Band.
Those bands practice way to much. Hey but nice try. I hope you stay home
next time so I can get a better view.
- Date: Wed Apr 3 09:12
Tommy Gailer (art-scrolling):
- Mike B, just loaded down the new art-work for Sandman Series #6: very
delicious!
- Date: Wed Apr 3 09:07
tHom (the editing room):
- I meant, of course, Modest Mouse - not Mouse on Mars. Good day to you all.
- Date: Wed Apr 3 09:00
bad liver (dusted in fog city):
- So let me get this straight... Giant Sand is superb in concert because we
don't know what's going to happen? Let's pull out the stubs from the past
year... Los Lobos, Hot Tuna, Calexico, Lambchop, Project/Object, Project
Logic, Medeski Martin and Wood, The Soft Boys, The Word, Gov't Mule, Phil
Lesh and Friends, David Lindley, Mother Hips, Mingus Amongus, Neil Young,
Laurie Anderson, Chris Whitley, Galactic, Karl Denson... were any of these
predictable, polished shows? I think not! (even Hot Tuna had surprises even
though they've been playing the same songs for 30 years). Did these bands
deliver? You bet. Although Chore of Enchantment and Confluence are better,
imo, records than any of the above have put out in recent years, Giant Sand
is at the bottom of the stack for delivering the goods in concert. Maybe
John and Joey enjoy not having the pressure of delivering as a world class
band while sanding, which is the case w/ Calexico. Maybe there is no
pressure because the adoring cult of howe will swallow whatever he serves
up. I'll take my bashing on the air, thankyou.
- Date: Wed Apr 3 08:59
tHom (at the ziggurat):
- Gosh, you stay away for a while and look what happens when you're not
around. The current gs tour seems to have stirred up quite a tumult of
voices here. This comments board is briefly taking on a tower-of-Babbel type
vibe. As someone aleady commented, just goes to show that Howe and co are
creating an effect. A few things I want to pick up on. Guni, you can say
that you love gs for their lightness in any language; I know what you mean
and I feel the same. james s, I'm glad you were able to get hold of that CD
with the Heartland stuff (would you call Heartland itself a love song? it's
one of my faves). Mitch, let me know if my occasional questions bother you
(the ones about "transplendent" and "bop-a-wheelies" or
whatever the word was) but if you can humour me one more time could you
explain what you meant by "contemplate my uni-brow" or something
similar which I think you mentioned - it's a new one on me and I have to
understand such matters, and at least I'm paying attention, right? As a
general point to anyone who reads this and knows, please excuse my ignorance
but who is this Hal Wilner character - sounds fascinating, what rock have I
been under that I've never heard of him before now? An album of Loony Tunes
cartoon music has to be worth a listen. Where should I start to discover?
Guidance will be appreciated. I'll also get around to rooting out some Mouse
On Mars; they came to my attention a while back when I heard one song of
theirs on that movie soundtrack that also had OP8 and the Meat Puppets et
al. It was excellent and I'd been meaning to find out more. Talking of movie
soundtracks, I finally got around to watching Mystery Men at the weekend (a
very funny film, highly recommended to anyone who ever read more Spiderman
comics than was strictly healthy) and I heard a track which I thought was
great and it turned out to be by Michael Franti/Spearhead. Once again,
anyone care to tell me where to begin here?
- Date: Wed Apr 3 08:55
sandierthanthou (right here baby!):
- No! I'm the biggest Giant Sand fan! The rest of you are all just
dilatants! And I know I'm right because I've got a copy of a recording of
Howe singing Happy Birthday at his brother's 12th birthday party! They
hadn't invented walkman's yet so Howe improvised new lyrics! Yes! Me not
you! I am the Sandiest! I am the pickiest Sand fan and you don't know what
you're talking about!! Ha! so there!! nyaaahhh!!!!
- Date: Wed Apr 3 08:37
C (the Light):
- Mateos - A Sand Fan? You tell me if I qualify: Grew up in Tucson...Have
every Giant Sand/Howe Album...50 or so Bootleg CD's...Witnessed live the
Giant Sandworms at...the basement of the U of A student union called the
Celler a few times...also at Ninos a few times...also was at the
"Wildcat"show. Saw Giant Sand in Tucson a mess of times... at
places known as the Stumble Inn, Characters, Club Congress, Solar Culture,
and others. I' ve seen Giant Sand in the Bay Area a few times like at the
Great American Music Hall, Bottom of the Hill, Slims. I have been to all 3
Rainer benefit shows even the two first shows at Club Congress that were not
publicized. I most recently caught them last week at Nitas Hideaway in
Phoenix and can tell you that what I saw is classic Giant Sand... classic
Howe Gelb... Giant Sand is a live band at their best...most of the releases
through the years are compromised of tunes that were done in only one take
in the studio and released. Howe has been doing the same type of seemingly
random, fragmented, acoustic-electric,fast-slow live performances for
years...this is not new...His shows have never been very approachable to
most people particularly his shows in Tucson where he seems to experiment
even more. I am 40 years old and have been listening to Giant Sand for half
of my life and believe me what you saw on this latest tour is Giant Sand and
the format will never change. Howe is an Americam Musical Icon and I cant
wait to see him again.
- Date: Wed Apr 3 08:30
trey ((ahhhhhhz)):
- Mike- Is this interview available online?
- Date: Wed Apr 3 05:45
mike ([sa-wa-ro]):
- Just found this bit from an article on Giant Sands' show tonight in
Seattle..... "It's a wild ride," Convertino says. "I don't
think I've ever been bored playing with Howe, and it's sort of like that for
the audience. These days it's so much easier for people to sit back and be
thrilled with dazzling shows. A Giant Sand show is more like reading a
book--you kind of have to pay attention to where it's going, rather than
just letting it feed you." .... John doesn't often say that much, but
when he does...........
- Date: Wed Apr 3 01:40
Guni (sun*on*fur):
- james s: I love the Google translation. Perfect! *** I did the same with
your sentence: back in German and then to English and ah: ZEN again:
"to burn itself until the times of day and vacation the sun on the fur!
Love of greetings."***...to all of you, have a good one.
- Date: Tue Apr 2 22:10
Tommy Gailer (solo-scroller):
- Big-Red-Guitar "I would love to see Howe do a show with him and just
his guitar/piano. But he won't because as an artists he is looking to be
new, different, unique and so on."%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Well, Howe is
frequently touring solo as well, the last tour was here in Germany
January/February. Go to giantsand.com and look for sandman series: fill out
the fomular, join the tree and you will get a fantastic compilation of the
last solo tour, just Howe, Piano, Guitar, minidisc and audiance.
- Date: Tue Apr 2 16:04
RolandinSF (wotpo@yahoo.com):
- Wow. I was debating whether to see Giant Sand in S.F. Saw them 2 years ago
and they were pretty good. Then I bought Cover Magazine and decided not to
go. Reading these comments I think I made the right decision. I agree with
the poster who saw Lambchop. It was smoooooooooth. Was a little disappointed
at the scaled back line-up (six member seven counting opening act David
Kilgour who sat in for several songs). Guess I'll have to go to Europe or
Nashville to catch the entire cast.
- Date: Tue Apr 2 16:02
Mitch (85719):
- First off, if I've ever actually bashed someone here, or tread all over
someone's heartfelt opinion, I apologize completely. Still, Big Red Guitar,
I've got my opinions as well, as do others here, and I think we too are
allowed to voice them--regardless of whether they affirm your thoughts or
not. For that matter, even if I've disaggreed with something you or someone
else has said, it wasn't intended as a personal attack, but rather as my
feelings on the very same subject (which might not be yours, right?).
Honestly, I enjoy hearing what people say--welcome some degree of pondering
and debate--even if I find it "light" with "no balls"
attached (that can apply to me as well). Still, I think it's a bit odd that
someone would readily offer their thoughts on a given topic, then turn
around and feel slighted if others do the same. It's a comments room, after
all.
- Date: Tue Apr 2 15:37
big red guitar ((U)):
- Everyone has their opinion, The first GS show I went to was a couple of
years back and to be honest the highlight was John's drumming. The walkman
stuff just didn't cut it and the show itself was way short. I will be seeing
my second show here in the North and hoping for the best. What I don't
understand is way you guys especially Mitch bash these people for their
opinions. And what's wrong with paying your money and seeing something
worthwhile. Most people I know go to a show to here the songs that they like
from the albums. So why should the entertainer antagonize his audience with
crap. We are paying our money to see something move us or make us warm
inside, turn us on whatever. I would love to see Howe do a show with him and
just his guitar/piano. But he won't because as an artists he is looking to
be new, different, unique and so on. But we come to the show to see what we
have listened to and loved from albums etc.
- Date: Tue Apr 2 14:57
Mitch (85719):
- Hmmmmmmmm...C and Mateo...astute? Cheerleaders? Pink Floyd? Perhaps a
little muskrat love is in order. Okay, I wasn't at the show in question, but
I'm willing to bet ten bucks that it was actually fine & dandy. The very
fact that we're getting several different views on the very same performance
speaks volumes. So clearly what one person likes is what someone else
doesn't (duh). It's all rather Rashomon-esque, eh? Anyway, I suppose if I
had set ideas about what I wanted or expected from Giant Sand, I might
disappointed from time to time. But I'm more comfortable just surfing along
in whichever directions it goes. For that matter, I've rarely seen them
perform where there weren't stops, pauses, glitches (glitches which end up
being a springboard), or late arrivals. As for the Kylie Minogue thing, an
inspired touch, don't ya think? Well, maybe not for you.
- Date: Tue Apr 2 14:00
mateos (eukelele):
- C - I must disagree. Pink Floyd toured without Roger Waters, if you didn't
like that, does that mean you dont like Pink Floyd? The Beatles generally
didn't do it live, does that mean you must therefore dislike the beatles?
great bands often miss 3 out of 4 nights just to light the room on fire on
that 4th night. Standard setlists night after nigh isntwaht I want, but that
doesn't mean that I'm going to blindly love any band that doesn't adhere to
that. Live works for me when a band isn't afraid to fall on its face - the
Sand isn't afraid - and that means they might. And if they do fall, then I'm
astute enough a listener, even after a few shots of Herradura, to know the
difference, and if they rise to the occasion, then I'm astute enough a
listener to groove on that. I'm not a pom-pom baring cheerleader - gimmie a
g - fan. Are you? Sand is awesome. In the old sense of the word. MC
- Date: Tue Apr 2 13:16
C (the light):
- If you do not like Giant Sand on this tour then you do not like Giant
Sand. This is what they are and that is what makes it good. If you like to
hear "songs" then you should look elsewhere.
- Date: Tue Apr 2 11:45
bad liver (san francisco):
- I was there sunday night. Yes, the bum puking out on Polk Street was more
enjoyable than both warm up bands. Carissa's Weird was like a bad accident.
Too bad it happened. Giant Sand made us wait, and then we get the trio.
Sounded great. Then come the eye candy prunes and so much for a band turning
corners. Look boys, I have hotties on my stage. Snore. Maybe for some it was
warm and intimate, but the smugness and pretention left me feeling cold.
Now, Lambchop a few weeks back sounded like melting butter.
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, butter.................
- Date: Tue Apr 2 11:39
treygoba ((blown away)):
- Can't quit thinking about the SD show. If that was only a so-so show, I
shudder to think what a great show would be like. I've been to my share of
small club concerts, and this was maybe the best I've ever seen (James
McMurtry, The Minutemen, and Trip Shakespeare also come to mind). My wife
commented that she was mesmerized by Mr. Gelb and couldn't take her eyes off
of him. Quite the showman. I've always said that John C. is the best drummer
I've ever seen/heard, hands down. Joey B. is obviously multitalented and
loves what he's doing. He emphasized after the Casbah show that he really
really really enjoyed playing as Giant Sand. The telepathy displayed by the
three is absolutely unreal. Has to be seen to be believed. Closest I've seen
is the Trip Shakespeare crew who were all multi-intstrumentalists, with a
lead singer/guitarist that was/is a studio-level drummer. Got home to
doo-dah from San Diego and put on a few GS discs. Studio/live...doesn't
really matter. These guys are from a different plane(t).
- Date: Tue Apr 2 11:31
john (re: Night Music):
- wow, Conway Twitty w/ the Residents, I missed that one. I did see the
Sonic Youth/Indigo Girls singing Stooges tunes and Miles looking into the
camera, pausing, says (in his gravelwhisper voice) "I've had a sore
throat for thirty years . . ."
- Date: Tue Apr 2 11:25
mateos (dejado abajo):
- To follow up: After Howe, its John and Joey who comprise the core of the
Giant Sand collective. Don't know much about how the Candy Prunes or the
miembros de Granddaddy fit in to the Sand, but its a sprawl for sure. There
were a lot of folks on stage and at times the desired convergence of
confluence was seeminly just out of reach, at these moments, the stage was
half filled with vapid stares of where am i. Joey had that look in his eyes
from time to time, plunking the mallets on the vibes when the wind blew him
to, stepping back so the bass girl could thrum. He was chillin' in a road
band. Ain't nothin' wrong with that. Please note, however, that the first
tune of the night was the aforementioned core - Joey John and Hown, throwing
down some hard groove, bass/drums/piano - a sound that was tight and round
and filled with a shared understanding formed on twenty-odd years of playing
and much deeper than merely music. It was soul music in the loose
interpretation. Then came the extras, and what was once a one-act play like
Streetcar named Desire became a Fellini flick. Both have their merits. I
almost always prefer a trio to a big band.
- Date: Tue Apr 2 11:04
Dave (New Mex):
- I would agree, Joe and John's contribution to the mix is huge, from the
jazzy drumming to the bowed vibes. The LA show was great, btw, especially
the cameo by Lisa Germano. Funny, performance art should be mentioned. Thats
how my wife described the show on Saturday.
- Date: Tue Apr 2 08:26
james s (Re:):
- Guni, translated on Google, that says, "until the days times, and
leave yourself the sun on the fur to burn! Love of greetings." Zen and
the art of Giant Sand. I saw this guy (R B Morris) play in Nashville and
when the show was really cooking, I mean like a bar room pentacostal
revival, he shouted, "THIS IS NOT A MOVIE! THIS WILL NEVER HAPPEN
AGAIN!" just to kind of point out the need to appreciate and really
experience the mandala of the LIVE performance. These posts about the west
shows make me really want to see the Sand.
- Date: Tue Apr 2 04:40
Guni (there's no business like scroll-business):
- Tommy, keep on scrollin', bis die Tage mal, und lass dir die Sonne auf den
Pelz brennen! Liebe Gruesse!
- Date: Tue Apr 2 02:56
Tommy Gailer (bavarian-scroller):
- Guni/Mike, you simply nailed it!
- Date: Tue Apr 2 02:31
mike ([sa-wa-ro]):
- Mateos, just read your comments more carefully...... Joe's a BIG part of
Giant Sand. With the Candy Prune girls in the band it gives him the
opportunity to get away from being behind the bass (although he still plays
stand-up) and add guitar, vibes, percussion etc, and if you thought he was
under-utilised then maybe it was a poor live mix. Howe, John and Joe have
played together for so long now they appear to sound as one, if you get my
drift.... it's a mental thing, almost telepathic... and I'm sure Joe enjoys
it - if he didn't, he wouldn't be there.
- Date: Tue Apr 2 01:57
Guni (lively sand):
- I have to admit that I haven't seen too many Giant Sand live gigs. Lack of
opportunity. I've been to more Calexico concerts. Luck of opportunity.
Matter of fact I first saw Calexico and went to see Giant Sand 4 weeks
later. What can I say. Had to go see them again and again. And the reason
why I love them as a live band is their lightness (can you say that in
English?). I mean the way they do their thing up on stage. The music flows
all naturally, everything happens in this very moment and can't be repeated
again. It's exciting, it's something you can be a part of. It's here and now
and seems to be the only appropriate way to do it in this show. Even when
Howe turns his back to the rest of the band for the whole show - magically
enough they follow his sonic trails anyway and make (at least most of the
times) something wonderful out of it. *** After the first Giant Sand show
that I was lucky enough to witness, I found most of the other music events
rather boring. I never heard so many completely different variations over
the same song material than with the Sandsters. It's like being invited to
their rehearsal room, very intimate. Perfection? I don't know. Being part of
something unique and vivid is more fascinating I think.*** By the way: I
just came upon a nice little sentence in Salman Rushdie's Grimus: "The
sand of time is soaked with new beginnings". Rather to the point of
some recent discussion topics, I guess...
- Date: Mon Apr 1 23:45
Tommy Gailer (scrolling-stone):
- Well, i kicked the stone and asked for more west-reviews...here we got èm
and i am not surprised about the different sights and feelings, people have
at a Giant Sand live-show. Comparing these to some reviews from 98 they are
still charming... Thanks for the reviews people, and hopefully i will hear
more from the north/east.
- Date: Mon Apr 1 23:22
mike ([sa-wa-ro]):
- Hey Mitch.... don't drag me into this one.... I'm far too biased....
- Date: Mon Apr 1 22:54
Paul (92056):
- Mitch, permanent drummer for Carissa's Wierd is the 2nd guitarist for
Modest Mouse on the road. Me2, you should have caught Bunky in the back room
between acts. They almost stole the show.
- Date: Mon Apr 1 22:17
Mitch (85719):
- By all accounts, Modest Mouse is a keeper. Anyway, Mateo, the reason Joey
is with Giant Sand is because, at this moment, he's a member of Giant Sand.
I'm sure you understand that, and I'm not trying to actually discount your
opinion. But in any context, whether it's a 7-piece Giant Sand or stripped
down to just the three, both Joey & John are important to the music.
Now, it's true that he (Joey) is sometimes in the background, and that can
be disappointing to those who have seen him up-front in Calexico. As to the
Candy Prune girls not being all that great, I certainly won't shoot an arrow
at you. However, I love'em--both as people and musicians--and like hearing
them as a counter-point to Howe. I guess this just has me scratching my head
a bit, because unless something has drastically changed since I last saw
Howe and the others, they've always sounded like Giant Sand to me.
Performance art? Maybe. At least 40%, sure. Anyone else want to chime in on
that? Mike? Someone? Mom?
- Date: Mon Apr 1 22:16
me2 (ihardt@yahoo.com):
- Well, after everybody else left their comments regarding the latest Giant
Sand live outing, here goes mine. History: first time I was trying to see
Giant Sand 10 years ago, I did not get in as it was sold out. A year later I
saw them when they were playing a club at the Reeperbahn in Hamburg (just
over the Kaiserkeller where the Beatles got their start..) - and the show
was really bad. Bad enough for Howe to come back four weeks later and play a
solo show as sort of an apology. When I saw them again another year later
with Vic Chestnutt opening it was a heavenly experience, Howe expressed his
dislike for producers in what was an almost perfect show, which he also
admitted. I have seen them since then with different success several times
it never matched this experience though. I also remember seeing Calexico
opening for a Vic Chestnutt show in London. I had no clue who or what they
were before I went, but then I thought – I know those guys, how come that
a bass player could play such great guitar stuff…and there are not many
drummers as memorable as John. So now I was really looking forward to seeing
Giant Sand at San Diego and LA. The attendance at the SD show was a bit of a
disappointment after seeing the place packed on a weekend for Calexico. I
did not mind the opening band, I thought they were quite interesting
although I also had the Lambchop association. I actually find most live
music interesting – I only mind the waiting between support and main band.
After letting go of the slightly depressive mood of the low turnout at the
Casbah, I found Giant Sand very entertaining, it was actually a lot of fun,
if you have an open mind. Who else would put up a concert like that, not
that polished crap that you get with most bands nowadays, where it does not
make a difference where or when you see them. Live music should still have
spontaneity associated with it, and I will never mind that. The
improvisation over taped music worked out great. And the drunken guy was
also quite entertaining in my view making an a.. out of himself. If the band
had minded they could have always turned off the mike. So my view, many San
Diegans missed out on a great opportunity to see music-making celebrated.
The LA show got off to a slow start, doors opening delayed, 2 opening bands,
the crowd filling the Knitting Factory very slowly, but when Giant Sand came
on at about midnight (overall 45minute delayed) there was a decent size
crowd. And again this show with a guest appearance of Lisa Germano turned
out to be fun – that’s what live music is about, isn’t it. Not about
perfection. By the look on the faces of people around me I thought that they
were also enjoying what they saw and heard. In the end the trumpet player
even played on a conch. So go and see them if you have a chance, might be
the last opportunity, “retirement” is on the horizon.
- Date: Mon Apr 1 21:08
johnny pirAnt ( - - : : - -):
- well spoken, mateos, well spoken. and let's not forget the neck tattoos.
they really WERE INDEED that bad, hate to say, and the effects were far
reaching. not even makers mark could stop the dread. more curiosity, since
it came up on this board, is that during the SF show Mr. Gelb himself
brought up - - that is - - pointed out how Calexico is the sound of tucson
but giant sand is the sound of melting rocks. or something. perhaps this is
a bottom line... In concert, Giant Sand is approximately 40% performance
art. Anyone want to throw out a different number? And for the record, there
are some great seattle area bands to hear, such as Thee Old Codgers, Zony
Mash, and Modest Mouse. Peas.
- Date: Mon Apr 1 16:06
mateos (dejado):
- Yeah, caressa's weird were a low-rent lambchop from hell. The dude was
sitting down with an acoustic wearing a baseball cap. The guitarist was
asleep, i think. And every song started as a slow dirgey thing that teetered
on implosion only to stagger to some unearned and un invited pseudoclimax.
The violinist was actually Ellen Degeneris - who knew? (actually, she was ok
sounding) but altogether, Blech. Hence my opting for Ms Pac Man instead.
Giant sand is an experimental band, what else do you call a band that will
surrender a live mike to the audience, play Kylie Mingue's new song and then
develop a jam over it, mix in an electric and acoustic bass, have a muted
trumpet, noodle around over a Hank Williams songriters workshop
tape...Calexico is a different beast entirely, and I knew that, having seen
Howe on one occasion and Calexico on another, and visited many recordings of
each. Howe's writing style - I mean, its all about found inspiration, not
exacting and meticulous in appearance. While Burns is going for that desert
noir-like thing - very specific. Didn't want to suggest that I was expecting
Calexico. But I will say that there wasn't any reason for Burns to be at the
show, really. He was underutilized and unheard. There's more to be said on
the subject, to be sure, and I'll see Giant Sand next time they come
through, because I want to be there when lightning strikes. Promise i wont
refresh, the way coca cola always does.
- Date: Mon Apr 1 16:05
mateos (dejado):
- Yeah, caressa's weird were a low-rent lambchop from hell. The dude was
sitting down with an acoustic wearing a baseball cap. The guitarist was
asleep, i think. And every song started as a slow dirgey thing that teetered
on implosion only to stagger to some unearned and un invited pseudoclimax.
The violinist was actually Ellen Degeneris - who knew? (actually, she was ok
sounding) but altogether, Blech. Hence my opting for Ms Pac Man instead.
Giant sand is an experimental band, what else do you call a band that will
surrender a live mike to the audience, play Kylie Mingue's new song and then
develop a jam over it, mix in an electric and acoustic bass, have a muted
trumpet, noodle around over a Hank Williams songriters workshop
tape...Calexico is a different beast entirely, and I knew that, having seen
Howe on one occasion and Calexico on another, and visited many recordings of
each. Howe's writing style - I mean, its all about found inspiration, not
exacting and meticulous in appearance. While Burns is going for that desert
noir-like thing - very specific. Didn't want to suggest that I was expecting
Calexico. But I will say that there wasn't any reason for Burns to be at the
show, really. He was underutilized and unheard. There's more to be said on
the subject, to be sure, and I'll see Giant Sand next time they come
through, because I want to be there when lightning strikes. Promise i wont
refresh, the way coca cola always does.
- Date: Mon Apr 1 15:26
Paul (92056):
- Carissa's Wierd are originally from Tucson but now reside in Seattle. They
are a huge regional favorite up there and put on a good although brief
performance in San Diego. Like G.S. they are an aquired taste and require
work on the listners' part to get into.
- Date: Mon Apr 1 15:13
Mitch (85719):
- The opening band was truly that bad, eh? Hmmmmmmmm...well, sorry for that.
Are they a local act? You know, I've seen a lot of shows were the opening
act just wasn't all that hot--so I took that opportunity to grab a beer,
step outside, contemplate my uni-brow. One or two have almost ruined a good
band for me, so I can certainly understand where you're coming from. But I
haven't actually seen one so bad that it prevented the ultimate enjoyment of
the main act--so they must've really sucked, I guess.
- Date: Mon Apr 1 14:48
johnny pirant ( - - : : - -):
- i think you are misunderstanding... i am a huge giant sand fan and wasn't
expecting or wanting calexico. hell, my favorite gelb bit is Down Home 2000.
strange is good. what i'm saying is... why this particular warm-up band?
why? it was unpleasant enough to make nine (9) people angry. this flavor of
experimental misery came off like contempt for an openminded audience. next
time i'll just be sure to arrive late, that's all. but it can be noted that
i wouldn't even be aware of sand or calexico if i hadn't caught the latter
as a warm-up act in the first place. that was a score!! my best to all of
you, just sharing an opinion. peas.
- Date: Mon Apr 1 14:31
Mitch (85719):
- Well, Johnny and Mateos--thanks for the field reports, as they're always
welcome. But how come I get a feeling you were both really hoping to
see/hear Calexico dynamics at play, and got Giant Sand in all its ragged
glory instead. I can understand that it might be hard to do so, but they
truly are TWO different bands (the way the Plastic Ono Band wasn't The
Beatles--even if John, George, & Ringo were still playing on the
tracks--or The Latin Playboys aren't Los Lobos).
- Date: Mon Apr 1 14:14
johnny pirant ( - - :: - -):
- just to clarify, it was the opening band "Carissa's Weird" that
we couldn't recover from. the sand sounded great for the most part.
- Date: Mon Apr 1 13:53
kf (pdx):
- "its not calexico" repeat it over to yourselves..... i love to
"watch them fail"....and if you were looking to hear the ablums
live...you came to the wrong place....or went to the wrong show at least.
- Date: Mon Apr 1 13:37
johnny pirant (pirants@holeworld.com):
- saw giant sand last nite in SF. persuaded 8 folks to come along, mostly
calexico fans and enthusiasts of the great chore. first, we get punished by
the worst, most depressingly horrible band ever witnessed live by any of us.
i've seen thousands of live shows and sat through 100's of soundchecks by
various start-up bands and this was truly rotten cake. and then it hits me -
- the second worse band i've ever seen opened for howe gelb last june. with
the sacrifice we all make for coming out to support artists on a school
night, this is how we get treated? yes, a little negativity here, but
believe it or not I was the happiest of our bunch. (the beat goes on by
itself was worth it for me, and i'd pay 12 bucks any night of the week just
to hear the calexico core play drum and bass). but the rest were so jaded by
then that it didn't matter that half of the band was just sitting there
boring us. not to mention howe's mic-stuffing speaker-popping antics. the
bottom line? buy the albums, but spend your show money on the artists who
play nice. or at least make sure you arrive late! - johnny pirant III
- Date: Mon Apr 1 12:55
mateos (sailbystars@hotmail.com):
- OK, background first. Got turned on to Giant Sand pretty late in life,
comsiidering - COE was my first LP. LOVE it. My most-played album of the
last year, the vinyl is beautiful, the music entrancing/enchanting, varied
and beatuiful. So I saw HOwe warm up for wilco at the fillmore in SF a year
or so ago, the crowd was indifferent, and HOwe just stumbled and fumbled
through a set that was thin with some lowrider groove playing for ambiance.
A fan heckled him, so he located this fan with help from the lighting guy
and playued one just for/to him. If you were there it was memorable. The guy
succumbed to the magic of the moment. So then I started buying albums -
Glum, a few Calexico records, and downloading anything i could find. I love
about 70% of the Sand. For context, I love Blue Lit Rope, dislike Frontage
Road. Went to see Calexico a couple months ago at the CAsbah in SD - the
place was packed and the band SWUNG. Convertino is a really good drummer,
and the band obviously builds in a bit more guarantee of success with its
live approach. Loved the show and my friends who I talked into coming loved
it as well, i mean EVERYBODY in the houe loved it. So giant sand came to
town on Friday night, and I got a couple tix for the show one for me and one
for one of the Calexico attendees who loved that show. I told her, well,
HOwe is a quirky songwriter - beyond description? left alone in a dark room?
- and prone to free associations and the HOwe show and Calexico sho were
very incongruous in terms of music and audience experience, so I couldnt't
really prep her. "Hey, Calexico was good - I'm stoked for the
show" was the long and short of her answer. so we went. Driving up,
howe walk in front o the car - theres the guy! we both got blisters playing
Ms. Pac Man before the show - ouch. Show started with the three, burns,
convertino and gelb, riffing on a little swingin jazzy thing, howe tinklin
the ivory with a real steady back beat. The out come the odd extras. Three
extreaneous girls who sort of added a Robert Palmer Addicted to Love vibe to
the stage. Is Gelb a mad scientist who rolls the dice and looks for
confluence? He's obviously the man, but doesn't want to control the music so
much as hope it all comes together. The girls were dead wood. There, I said
it. Let the arrows fly. And Joey didn't feel appropriately integrated.
Convertino can drum his ass off, Howe can sing as only HOwe can sing, some
of the songs were on - when Shiver came on the revelation was that I was
watching a really spontaneous anarchic, beat band that Coca Cola actually
paid money to to use this song in a very mainstream commercial expounding
the grocery shopping middle class life that this band is maybe not against,
but certainly not alligned with. and the crouwd was very thin, mostly male,
mosly in black and brown, not really enthused. I wondered howe much each
member must make playing a gig like this one. its the bottom line man. and
that was a good rendition. Was the clown in the crowd who added his own
groove poetry a friend of the band or the bottle? cuz the bottle was no
friend to him. My date was baffled. I tried to say this ain't calexico, but
I think its hit and miss with gelb, and whe you have that many people on
stage with the modus operundi being built into a portable CD player that
kicks out the inspiration, and a crowd too thin to care, it was a so so
show. And thats the bottom line man. Three cheers.
- Date: Mon Apr 1 12:36
james s (careful w/that refresh button):
- Oh yeah, tHom, Paul, Manny, I took your advice on Blacky and DID manage to
trade my 13 song Sage Advice for the 19 Song version (w/heartland) before
anyone beat me to it. Gracias.
- Date: Mon Apr 1 12:28
mateos (sailbystars@hotmail.com):
- OK, background first. Got turned on to Giant Sand pretty late in life,
comsiidering - COE was my first LP. LOVE it. My most-played album of the
last year, the vinyl is beautiful, the music entrancing/enchanting, varied
and beatuiful. So I saw HOwe warm up for wilco at the fillmore in SF a year
or so ago, the crowd was indifferent, and HOwe just stumbled and fumbled
through a set that was thin with some lowrider groove playing for ambiance.
A fan heckled him, so he located this fan with help from the lighting guy
and playued one just for/to him. If you were there it was memorable. The guy
succumbed to the magic of the moment. So then I started buying albums -
Glum, a few Calexico records, and downloading anything i could find. I love
about 70% of the Sand. For context, I love Blue Lit Rope, dislike Frontage
Road. Went to see Calexico a couple months ago at the CAsbah in SD - the
place was packed and the band SWUNG. Convertino is a really good drummer,
and the band obviously builds in a bit more guarantee of success with its
live approach. Loved the show and my friends who I talked into coming loved
it as well, i mean EVERYBODY in the houe loved it. So giant sand came to
town on Friday night, and I got a couple tix for the show one for me and one
for one of the Calexico attendees who loved that show. I told her, well,
HOwe is a quirky songwriter - beyond description? left alone in a dark room?
- and prone to free associations and the HOwe show and Calexico sho were
very incongruous in terms of music and audience experience, so I couldnt't
really prep her. "Hey, Calexico was good - I'm stoked for the
show" was the long and short of her answer. so we went. Driving up,
howe walk in front o the car - theres the guy! we both got blisters playing
Ms. Pac Man before the show - ouch. Show started with the three, burns,
convertino and gelb, riffing on a little swingin jazzy thing, howe tinklin
the ivory with a real steady back beat. The out come the odd extras. Three
extreaneous girls who sort of added a Robert Palmer Addicted to Love vibe to
the stage. Is Gelb a mad scientist who rolls the dice and looks for
confluence? He's obviously the man, but doesn't want to control the music so
much as hope it all comes together. The girls were dead wood. There, I said
it. Let the arrows fly. And Joey didn't feel appropriately integrated.
Convertino can drum his ass off, Howe can sing as only HOwe can sing, some
of the songs were on - when Shiver came on the revelation was that I was
watching a really spontaneous anarchic, beat band that Coca Cola actually
paid money to to use this song in a very mainstream commercial expounding
the grocery shopping middle class life that this band is maybe not against,
but certainly not alligned with. and the crouwd was very thin, mostly male,
mosly in black and brown, not really enthused. I wondered howe much each
member must make playing a gig like this one. its the bottom line man. and
that was a good rendition. Was the clown in the crowd who added his own
groove poetry a friend of the band or the bottle? cuz the bottle was no
friend to him. My date was baffled. I tried to say this ain't calexico, but
I think its hit and miss with gelb, and whe you have that many people on
stage with the modus operundi being built into a portable CD player that
kicks out the inspiration, and a crowd too thin to care, it was a so so
show. And thats the bottom line man. Three cheers.
- Date: Mon Apr 1 12:16
mateos (sailbystars@hotmail.com):
- OK, background first. Got turned on to Giant Sand pretty late in life,
comsiidering - COE was my first LP. LOVE it. My most-played album of the
last year, the vinyl is beautiful, the music entrancing/enchanting, varied
and beatuiful. So I saw HOwe warm up for wilco at the fillmore in SF a year
or so ago, the crowd was indifferent, and HOwe just stumbled and fumbled
through a set that was thin with some lowrider groove playing for ambiance.
A fan heckled him, so he located this fan with help from the lighting guy
and playued one just for/to him. If you were there it was memorable. The guy
succumbed to the magic of the moment. So then I started buying albums -
Glum, a few Calexico records, and downloading anything i could find. I love
about 70% of the Sand. For context, I love Blue Lit Rope, dislike Frontage
Road. Went to see Calexico a couple months ago at the CAsbah in SD - the
place was packed and the band SWUNG. Convertino is a really good drummer,
and the band obviously builds in a bit more guarantee of success with its
live approach. Loved the show and my friends who I talked into coming loved
it as well, i mean EVERYBODY in the houe loved it. So giant sand came to
town on Friday night, and I got a couple tix for the show one for me and one
for one of the Calexico attendees who loved that show. I told her, well,
HOwe is a quirky songwriter - beyond description? left alone in a dark room?
- and prone to free associations and the HOwe show and Calexico sho were
very incongruous in terms of music and audience experience, so I couldnt't
really prep her. "Hey, Calexico was good - I'm stoked for the
show" was the long and short of her answer. so we went. Driving up,
howe walk in front o the car - theres the guy! we both got blisters playing
Ms. Pac Man before the show - ouch. Show started with the three, burns,
convertino and gelb, riffing on a little swingin jazzy thing, howe tinklin
the ivory with a real steady back beat. The out come the odd extras. Three
extreaneous girls who sort of added a Robert Palmer Addicted to Love vibe to
the stage. Is Gelb a mad scientist who rolls the dice and looks for
confluence? He's obviously the man, but doesn't want to control the music so
much as hope it all comes together. The girls were dead wood. There, I said
it. Let the arrows fly. And Joey didn't feel appropriately integrated.
Convertino can drum his ass off, Howe can sing as only HOwe can sing, some
of the songs were on - when Shiver came on the revelation was that I was
watching a really spontaneous anarchic, beat band that Coca Cola actually
paid money to to use this song in a very mainstream commercial expounding
the grocery shopping middle class life that this band is maybe not against,
but certainly not alligned with. and the crouwd was very thin, mostly male,
mosly in black and brown, not really enthused. I wondered howe much each
member must make playing a gig like this one. its the bottom line man. and
that was a good rendition. Was the clown in the crowd who added his own
groove poetry a friend of the band or the bottle? cuz the bottle was no
friend to him. My date was baffled. I tried to say this ain't calexico, but
I think its hit and miss with gelb, and whe you have that many people on
stage with the modus operundi being built into a portable CD player that
kicks out the inspiration, and a crowd too thin to care, it was a so so
show. And thats the bottom line man. Three cheers.
- Date: Mon Apr 1 12:04
james s (wow):
- conway twitty with the residents? on television? that's surely something
that could only take place in a dream (or nightmare). I would LOVE to see
that!
- Date: Mon Apr 1 11:06
Blaine (@FL temporarily):
- Didn't Mr. Wilner also work on the short-run NBC program Night Music some
years back -- the one that paired stuff like Conway Twitty w/the Residents
for a tune? Miles Davis I think was on one, if can put my cptr keys around a
memory. Hoping to feel the Sand in CHI on Sunday.
- Date: Mon Apr 1 05:22
trey (Kansan seeking wormhole) ((ahhhhhhz)):
- My wife and I finally saw a GS show. GS has been my #1 choice since Long
Stem Rant in 1988(89?). After 3 near misses, Serendipity and/or other
goddesses aligned us and GS. The San Diego show provided fodder for animated
discussion on the jet, and my wife is now a GSandophile. The band played
with the Psycho Sisters (I think). The set was sort of short, but any length
would've been too short. A few songs I recall were "Johnny Hit and Run
Pauline" (wicked), "Blue Marble Girl", "Shiver",
"Wayfaring Stranger", and a long "Sage Advice". Advice
for the ethanol-addled would-be stream-of-conciousness "thought Howe
meant for me to sing into the mike all night" dude... "Fire in the
Belly" was only used in one song (Fire...Fire...Belly...Fire in the
Belly....belly...belly...argghhh). We still love you though. We had the
pleasure of talking to Joey before the show, Howe afterwards. Thanks for
showing a couple of star-struck hicks some kindness. Now the trick is to see
them again. Wife wants to quit the curator job and just follow GS shows. We
selfishly hope the Denmark plans wait a few years, but hell, we need an
excuse to go to Europe. Thanks to GS and The Casbah (and CA no smoking in
bars law)for a memorable night.
- Date: Sun Mar 31 20:22
tom (and you will know us by):
- Moon Palace meets Monk, tasty and cranky.
- Date: Sun Mar 31 16:42
paul (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):
- Mitch, thanks for the help, the search goes on. Regarding the Sandmen and
a spoken word album, Bukowski might have gone to that post office in the sky
but the good doctor, Hunter S thompson is crying out for musical
justification.
- Date: Sun Mar 31 16:25
Mitch (dead city radio):
- Thanks, James. I thought Willner was involved in that one. And, Paul, I
did a search for the Willner's Monk tribute for you, but it seems to be as
you said...hard to find. If I scare one up I'll let ya know.
- Date: Sun Mar 31 16:20
Mitch (85719):
- Yikes, I can't imagine Howe would enjoy being weighed down with my
rumminations. On the other hand, the Auster combination does sound mighty
tasty. What about Howe/Giant sand doing a spoken-word CD? Too bad Charles
Bukowski has moved on to the big bar in the sky.
- Date: Sun Mar 31 14:12
Shaun H. (novel ideas):
- so we got Franti & Burroughs, we had the Clash & Ginsberg, who
would you like to pitch Howe w/ Mitch? or should that be Howe w/. Mitch?
personally i'd enjoy him doing something w/ Paul Auster's 'Timbuktu'.
- Date: Sun Mar 31 13:12
james s (hallo):
- Dead City Radio produced by Nelson Lyon and Hal Willner.
- Date: Sun Mar 31 13:07
Mitch (85719):
- Hi, Shaun. Dug out my copy of Spare Ass, and it was indeed Michael Franti
& Rono Tse from Disposable Heroes, co-producing the album with Hal
Willner.
- Date: Sun Mar 31 12:39
Shaun H. (spare ass annie?):
- hey Mitch - was that one Michael Franti, either w/ the Spearhead or more
likely Disposable Heroes.. crew?
- Date: Sun Mar 31 09:58
Blind Man Jack (jack@boegerweb.com):
- Hello Paul and other San Franciscans, Our plans exactly -- The Castle!! We
have some folks meeting around 7:30 to get primed for the sand.
- Date: Sun Mar 31 08:30
Blind Man Jack (jack@boegerweb.com):
- Hello Paul and other San Franciscans, Our plans exactly -- The Castle!! We
have some folks meeting around 7:30 to get primed for the sand.
- Date: Sun Mar 31 00:11
Tommy Gailer (south-scroller):
- Hey people, what about the reports to the shows in SF, SD and LA?
- Date: Sat Mar 30 21:42
redfreek (north o' the border):
- With "Cover Magazine" arriving in town scant weeks ago now I
hafta say that this new music of Howe Gelb and GS is a creeper...it takes
awhile. Doesn't hit right after the first toke. Thanks for the 'body stone'
, Howe.
- Date: Sat Mar 30 18:27
tom (william, it was really nothing):
- "Let us hope that the whores of evil may no longer loiter upon the
doorsteps of your path, beckoning you into the brothel of despair..."
- Date: Sat Mar 30 16:58
Mitch (happenstance):
- I think he also did a couple of the Burroughs CDs--Spare Ass Annie &
Dead City Radio--as well as some of Marianne Faithful's, right? Or am I
getting all mixed up and pulling this stuff outta my spare ass?
Hmmmmmmmmm...
- Date: Sat Mar 30 16:05
Paul (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):
- Not weird, Mitch, more happenstance. Willner did indeed start his career
with Amarcord, an album of rota tunes, he also did a thelonius monk album
(which I've been looking for), the Disney you mentioned, Kurt Weill and
worked with Aln Ginsberg. He also produced an album of Warner Brother Looney
Tunes cartoon music! There's an interview with him at
http://www.lollipop.com/issue42/42-02-10.html that is interesting. Funny how
we're discussing a guy who has spent much of his time producing covers. Paul
- Date: Sat Mar 30 09:37
Jim Kotsonas (schlaff@pacbell.net):
- Hey all, Anyone here (from SF) going tomorrow night (Paul, Guenter)?
There's a great bar, Edingburgh Castel, right around the corner from the
GAMH. Be cool to finally put faces to the names. Take care.
- Date: Sat Mar 30 05:47
JC BROCHARD (jc.brochard@wanadoo.fr):
- To Mitch (85719) : could you please get in touch with me at the address
above ? There's one track on the Hal Wilner Disney tribute I'd love to
listen to... JC
- Date: Fri Mar 29 17:45
Mitch (85719):
- Hey, Paul, this is too weird. This afternoon Pete was listening to Hal
Willner's Kurt Weil tribute, and so I dug through my collection and found
Wilner's "Weird Nightmare" and "Disney Tribute" for him
to enjoy as well. Very strange you should mention him. As for the Rota
tribute, however, I had no idea one existed. So guess I'll have to track it
down.
- Date: Fri Mar 29 17:30
paul (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):
- Nina Rota. I think I've got one of those Hal Willner "tribute"
type albums which is brilliant, not the same as listening to the original
but in my opinion Willner generally does a good job, see his Mingus album,
Weird nightmares, for example. On another list it was mentioned that Howe is
thinking of moving to Denmark, is that a) good. b) bad. c) up to Howe. d)
hold on there are some chads we need to check. OK, about to dig out my old
army greatcoat, tie dyes and sannies, not wash and dive headlong into a
Black Sabbath experience, if I survive I will tell of those who served in
the sonic wars. I AM IRON MAN
- Date: Fri Mar 29 14:32
james s (Re: fellini):
- nope, I haven't seen those fellini flicks, though I think my local library
has the dvds of some of them. I'll check 'em out. The local art house movie
theatre (where lambchop played last week) is showing Luis Bunuel's
"That Obscure Object of Desire" on the big screen all next week; i
look forward to THAT. Hey, Giant Sand, how about the Southeast?? Atlanta?
Nashville? Come see us.
- Date: Fri Mar 29 08:43
bear (in phx):
- Great Show last night at Nita's Hideaway...with lots of wandering...CD
player would not work...Candy Prune's are a great addition...hightlight was
"Beat Goes On" to close...and it rained here last night what a
treat.
- Date: Fri Mar 29 03:46
Mitch (85719):
- Hi Stefan!!! Well, thanks so much for the offer. However, I just learned
that I can find a copy at a local chain, so you won't have to go dig one up
for me. The thought means a lot though. As for Nino Rota, you're sooooooo
hitting home with that suggestion, as I really really do love his music. The
Criterion Collection DVD of 8 1/2 has a documentary about Rota included,
which is really interesting--seems Rota was a child prodigy and was first
acclaimed in Italy at the age of 11 (after writing an oratorio no less!!!).
I also learned that his theme for The Godfather originally came from the
score of a film he composed the music for in 1958, and simply updated it for
the Coppola--the downshot being that he had to retract his nomination for
Best Original Score from the Motion Picture Academy. The guy did the score
for something like 154 flicks! Amazing.
- Date: Fri Mar 29 02:19
Stefan (StefanRoehrich@t-online.de):
- Hi Mitch, if you like I can send you a copy of Spex if I can still find a
copy here (don’t know if the Giant Sand article is in the March or April
issue & have to check this first). I stopped reading Spex about 10 years
ago because I couldn’t bear it any longer - all this talk about „pop
culture“ when I wanted to read about music, and all this pretentious and
pompous and ridiculous (pseudo-)intellectualism were too much for me. (Web
site is www.spex.de) I switched to The Wire, which is the best music
magazine in the world, as far as I’m concerned, though they’ve also
ignored Giant Sand for the last few years except for that review of Cover
Magazine I’ve already mentioned. ........ Re Fellini - check out Nino
Rota’s music. I recently found a CD of Nino Rota piano solo works - great.
- Date: Thu Mar 28 19:24
Mitch (85719):
- Oh yeah, Mr. or Mrs. or transgendered Defied...meant to tell you
earlier...as of last night, Giant Sand is alive and well.
- Date: Thu Mar 28 19:03
Mitch (85719):
- Sam, do you know if Spex can be found in the U.S.? Or if they possibly
have a web page? Also, there's a new magazine out called Harp, which has
Howe on the cover and some mighty fine photographs and a decent article
about him within. Must admit, haven't seen it yet--but was told by Bill
Carter that it was quite lovely.
- Date: Thu Mar 28 16:54
sam (esong):
- there is a brilliant german magazine called spex.they write about all
kinds of interesting music.if its house minimal techno clicks& cuts
avantgarde electro hiphop folk jazz.they part the good from the bad.the best
german artists work for spex.there are jan distelmeyer of blumfeld and
schorsch kamerun from goldene zitronen people from kante and the
photographer wolfgang tilmans and rainald goetz and marcel beyer thomas
meinecke and jutta koether all great writers.since 1989 when they got the
title story giant sand wasnt really happening there.but now there is a fine
and friendly article worth reading 2 sides long.its good to see giant sand
in such a modern and fresh environment.i am sick of only seeing giant sand
in the americana context and reading the 123. comparison to neil young.by
the way cover magazine is a grower.i listen to it now daily.
- Date: Thu Mar 28 16:40
Mitch (85719):
- Man, Satyricon was the first Fellini I ever saw, and while I thought it
was beautifully filmed I just didn't like it. Took me a while to seek out
Nights Of Cabria, Amacord, or Juliet Of The Spirits--now those are
wonderful.
- Date: Thu Mar 28 15:21
james s (fritz lang's M?):
- Nope, never even heard of it. Haven't seen 8 1/2 yet either, though I did
try to watch Satyricon once. Yes, Citizen Kane is great. The dvd I rented
came with an extra disk with an excellent PBS program about the movie and
the clash with William Randolph Hearst that killed welles' career.
- Date: Thu Mar 28 14:58
Mitch (85719):
- Hey, James, well it was indeed a fine evening. Still, you could do a lot
worse than watching that old Orson Welles flick (seen it so many times and
never get tired of it). It's so modern for its day. You seen Fritz Lang's M?
1931, but way ahead of its time. Just got 8 1/2 from The Criterion
Collection--haven't watched it yet, but can't wait.
- Date: Thu Mar 28 14:33
james s (rosebud):
- well, I'm jealous. Last night, I just hit the sack early after watching
that old orson welles flick. Sand isn't coming within an 8 hour drive of me
on this tour. sucks. sounds like a good evening, mitch.
- Date: Thu Mar 28 13:21
Mitch (85719):
- Hi, just wanted to mention Giant Sand at Solar Culture last night. Great
show, as usual, with Nick Luca Trio opening. Very sedate crowd, most sitting
on the floor--even as Howe played some vibrant, bristling guitar. The
7-piece line-up was in good form as well, with Candi Prune chiming in
wonderfully on "Shiver" and "Blue Marble Girl". Now
maybe I'm getting old, but last night's show was loud. So loud, in fact,
that I didn't hear the trains blare past outside. Highlights for me:
"Under The Punishing Sun," and "You Can't Put Your Arms
Around A Memory."
- Date: Thu Mar 28 00:25
deified ((2002)):
- if i leave here tomorrow, will you still remember me? GIANT SAND IS DEAD.
LONG LIVE GIANT SAND.
- Date: Wed Mar 27 08:22
Blaine (@work):
- Maybe the connection is drummer Tom Larkins
- Date: Wed Mar 27 06:42
mike ([sa-wa-ro]):
- No Martin, it was all wishul thinking by the guy who has this web site (in
France).....http://perso.wanadoo.fr/vivonzeureux/
- Date: Tue Mar 26 14:28
Martin McGowan (re: Blacky):
- Am I right in thinking that Blacky recorded with Jonathan Richman some
time back? If my memory serves me well I read about it on Marianne Dissards
web site. Can anyone shed any light on this?
- Date: Tue Mar 26 10:40
roland (wotpo@yahoo.com):
- Character, eh? never heard of 'em. But if they are opening for Lambchop
maybe there worth checking out. Saw Lambchop last week and I agree it was a
very good show. David Kilgour opened, and the Choppers, minus Kurt, were his
backup band. A little disappointed the full lineup wasn't present. Oh well,
Wagner's new songs sounded great.
- Date: Tue Mar 26 07:59
james s (Re: blacky):
- thanks for the tidal wave of sage advice. I'll bet a hundred bucks that
it's already sold, but if it's still there when I can get over there, you
can bet a hundred bucks it'll be mine!
- Date: Tue Mar 26 05:50
tHom (still the same):
- james s, sorry if this is overkill but I just want to endorse the comments
from Manny and Paul Kerr. I've got that particular Blacky CD (Sage
Advice/Heartland) and even if you've already got Sage Advice it's worth it
for those few tracks from Heartland. I'd also like to add my voice to the
requests to see some early Blacky recordings out on the Bootleg or Sandman
series.
- Date: Mon Mar 25 21:10
Dave (nmdave1021@yahoo.com):
- Gotta love those Winn grips, huh Howe?!
- Date: Mon Mar 25 17:02
paul (again) (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):
- Speaking of Kris Kristofferson, the first I heard of him was on one of
those paper bags called "the inner sleeve" that wrapped the vinyl
in CBS relaeses in the 70's. Anyone else remember them or bought something
on their recommendation?
- Date: Mon Mar 25 16:56
paul (doh!!!!!!):
- Make that Bailie Nicol jarvie
- Date: Mon Mar 25 16:49
Paul (p.kerr@ntl world.com):
- yes, Blacky, where is he now? Is there any chance of bringing out the
first and second albums as part of the Official Bootleg series (as in
unsunglum) or as part of the Sandman series? I suppose it boils down to who
owns the recordings. The first blacky was released here on New Rose, a
French label, the second by Demon (I think). These are next to impossible to
find and I'm sure many here would want to have them. How about some Blacky
as the next release? Can I second Ian and beg a visit to Scotland (home of
Ballie Jarvis Nicoll). that's at least two of us who would be at the gig and
I'm sure I could rustle up a third:) (one of these smiley things I'm told
that people use on these lists). Listening to the expanded release of the
first Kris Kristofferson album, great stuff
- Date: Mon Mar 25 14:30
Manny ((Sage Advice)):
- James...If you don't have any early Blacky Ranchette in your collection
you should buy the cd if it's still there. Those last 7 cuts are from the
Heartland CD from 1985-1986. They are really good songs that you need to
have! Manny
- Date: Mon Mar 25 14:16
again (Arrrrgh!):
- that's "should have bought it."
- Date: Mon Mar 25 14:14
james s (well):
- well, ok. I guess it had 19. I think I see what's happening here.
Heartland and Sage combined. Yep, shouldn't bought it.
- Date: Mon Mar 25 13:35
james s (??):
- Picked up Dreaded Brown Recluse in a used bin over the weekend, and saw
something else interesting. The copy of Sage Advise that I own has, I think,
12 songs on it. The copy of Sage Advise I saw in the used bin had more than
20!! What's going on here? Should have bought it.
- Date: Mon Mar 25 12:44
roland (wotpo@yahoo.com):
- Anyone know if Joey Burns and John Convertino are in the band on this U.S.
spring tour?
- Date: Sun Mar 24 11:33
jpr (rambling on my mind):
- saw willy de ville yesterday and to my surprise (the only other concert by
him i saw had been disappointing) it was a very good concert. piano, upright
bass, vocals, sometimes guitar. played mostly blues and coverversions.
sounds boring, was not boring at all. great, great voice and to
the-point-arrangements. if you have a chance to see him on this tour
(germany and switzerland, i guess), you should do so.
- Date: Sat Mar 23 12:40
james s (chop chop):
- Those of you waiting for Lambchop to come to town are in for a treat. They
got a full house in a pretty big room here in nashville last night which is
stranger than it may seem and is a very good thing. The show was excellent.
Check your email, mitch. I got your tour cd. Character was good as well,
perhaps a little TOO much like Tortoise, but with more surprises and even a
little silliness. They are local here so I don't know if they are going out
with chop. I kind of doubt it. Take care, all.
- Date: Sat Mar 23 08:37
Tommy Gailer (trans-scrolling-express):
- So JPR, seems we have here a second good translating expert on board,
besides Stefan Röhrich.
- Date: Sat Mar 23 02:58
Insider-Sand ((())):
- Giant Sand will be playing a London gig at Ocean on the 15th May 2002, so
say their press company in the UK, and there will also be another UK warm-up
date hopefully.
- Date: Sat Mar 23 00:50
jpr (my name it means nothing):
- hey tommy, long time lurker from sin city (ok, ok, hamburg...)
- Date: Fri Mar 22 14:44
Tommy Gailer (scrollmaster):
- Hey JPR, thanks for workin`out the translation.....from where you are?
- Date: Fri Mar 22 14:00
Mitch (85719):
- Thanks for that, jpr.
- Date: Fri Mar 22 12:46
jpr (hmmmm):
- this board ignores the breaks, so: "Under Cover" is the headline
of the review and the second sentence is the subline (if that's how you call
it)
- Date: Fri Mar 22 12:32
jpr (in avoidance of more important things):
- couldn't find the review tommy mentioned online, so here's a quick
translation of the magazine article: Under Cover Black Sabbath, Johhny Cash,
Neil Young, Goldfrapp, Nick Cave, Sonny & Cher and Frank Sinatra –
listened to through the ears of Giant Sand. Will Howe Gelb retire from the
international music scene, as the subtitle of the new Giant Sand album
implies? Will he only play golf in the future, as is displayed on the
beautifully stupid photo in the booklet of A COVER MAGAZINE? We reckon: no.
But even if that would be the case: this album would be a worthy finish for
a career spanning the last 20 years. Here we get 13 coverversions of songs
Gelb has in some way been inspired by, among them the Howe Gelb-“cover”
“Blue Marble Girl”, recorded live with a Giant Sand cast of which Joey
Burns and John Convertino were no part, because they were on tour as
Calexico. See, it’s getting complicated. Giant Sand consists of Burns and
Convertino - who in the meantime have become more successful with their
second band Calexico - besides Gelb, and of several guest stars. This time
around Kevin Salem, Jim Fairchild (Grandaddy) and PJ Harvey, among others,
make three legendary appearances. Once on “Johnny Hit And Run Pauline”
(The X) and twice on an unbelievably good version of Sonny & Chers
“The Beat Goes On” (one version live, one in the studio). More titles:
Black Sabbaths “Iron Man”, oscillating between Bar Jazz and Alternative
Country, the magnificent two-songs-in-one-muddles of Marty Robbins’ “El
Paso”and Neil Youngs “Out On The Weekend” as well as the traditional
“Wayfaring Stranger” becoming Frank Sinatras “Fly Me To The Moon”.
Furthermore: Nick Caves “Red Right Hand”, Roger Millers “King Of The
Road”, “Human/Lovey Head” by Goldfrapp – with broom drums, acoustic
guitars piano and upright bass Giant Sand transfer all this into
swinging-shuffling novelty americana versions. So beautiful it makes you
cry. For real.
- Date: Fri Mar 22 12:03
tom (Re : sa-wa-ro):
- Very grateful for the new Sandman release. Thank you people.
- Date: Fri Mar 22 11:36
Mitch (85719):
- Hey, Tommy. Fairly certain the pic was taken on New Year's Eve here in
Tucson, snapped by Bill Carter. By the way, is there a link to the review
you mentioned? Would love to read the review.
- Date: Fri Mar 22 08:14
Tommy Gailer (express-scroller):
- The new german "Musikexpress" fr. April 02 has a Blind Date with
Howe (he has to recognize some songs) on Page 42 and a great review of
"Cover Mag." on page 72. ****There`s a funny picture above the
review that shows Howe, John and Joey in black suits with some nice ties. On
the wall (in the background) you can see some baking-accessoires
hangin`around...looks like christmas decoration. Anybody knows where this
pic was done?
- Date: Fri Mar 22 05:38
Ian (Scotland):
- Great news about the new Sandman release, we really are being spoiled this
week 3 new discs and the promise of UK tour dates in June. Can I be the 1st
to say to Howe, please come to Scotland this time I dont mind travelling to
London to see you perform but a lot of people cant get the time off work or
dont have the money to make the journey. See ya in June
- Date: Fri Mar 22 05:04
jpr (rustie):
- still better to rust than to rot, though... (both has absolutely nothing
to do with GS)
- Date: Fri Mar 22 04:29
di (and something irrelevant):
- great colour for a guitar -
- Date: Fri Mar 22 04:28
di (few more words):
- one of the best things about the sand gang is, in my opinion, the fact
they don't stuck - growing up through the years they made rock, jazz,
experimental, noisy, quiet, dark and merry records - there's another kind of
beauty in the music they made back in '85 and a different kind in the one
they make today - there's a whole world to be found in the sand records -
and i hope they will never cease changing and searching and creating
- Date: Fri Mar 22 04:23
di (re:big red guitar - some thoughts about 'cover magazine'):
- it's, definitely, better to burn out than rust - life's too short, to
rust, unless someone finds some kind of bizarre pleasure in rusting, but i
would need some damn good arguments to be persuaded on that one - but i see
no rust in 'cover magazine' , i plainly see a beautifully happy record -
that after 'chore of ench.' (a most dark album, talking in terms of lyrics)
comes as a sort of balance, at least that's the way i see it - and you know
what else? in a world so filled with impossibilities and pessimism,
remembering the happy side of life, is not 'light' - it's strength
- Date: Fri Mar 22 02:15
jpr (informer):
- hi torben, go to www.cityslang.com for info on st. thomas.
- Date: Fri Mar 22 01:44
Torben (tdh@hansen.mail.dk):
- Anybody know St. Thomas ? I just bought my ticket for Lambchop i April and
I saw on a tour promo postcard that St. Thomas are opening.
- Date: Thu Mar 21 15:56
christine (fine tunes, slightly slanted):
- heavy and light, of course. an agreeable glow. this record is welcome with
its fine tunes and a few hits in there. no, it's not like Chore, nothing is
like Chore, like any other. this is a new Giant Sand record and i like it.
still i think the Crossing-The-Borders-Festival-Amsterdam-October-2001
version of Johnny Hit And Run Pauline was the most charming ever. but who
cares when Cover Magazine is out now, again: story telling in a masterly
fashion. congratulations, Howe! this one i would love to have signed.
- Date: Thu Mar 21 13:56
Martin McGowan (covermagazine@retirement.com):
- I finally got a copy of Cover Magazine today. It’s no easy task keeping
pace with Howe. No sooner have we caught up with him, than he’s spotted
another road to travel down, and he’s off. So here we go, movin’ on
again with yet another Giant Sand CD to add to the collection. Another piece
to one of my favourite jigsaws. Howe just doesn’t know how to stand still
does he? Every album shuffles restlessly off in a new direction from where
the last one left off. “Find me a New Place and I’ll try to fix it”.
Straight from El Paso into that killer Neil Young harmonica break. Out on
the Weekend starts so loose and easy, picks up pace and gets real low down
and dirty. You’ve gotta’ love it. Don’t you? It’s a good start, but
it gets better. I can listen to PJ wailing ‘Johnny Hit and Run Pauline’
all night long. And I just might. Trickling water, cool Jazz trumpet, congas
& easy vocals just take my breath away all the way through Iron Man.
Something’s happening here, and I don’t what it is, but it’s sure as
hell good. Howe has made so many of these tracks his own. All of these alien
words have been moulded to perfection by the Giant sounds that wash over
them. This is every inch a Giant Sand album. As Howe pounds the ivory keys
through ‘Human/Lovely Head’ I’ve already lost count of how many New
Places he’s taken us to on this CD. He’s throwing ingredients into the
pot at an alarming rate, and cooking up a might stew for our enjoyment.
“La-di-da-di-da”. Here we go again, they’ve found the groove and
they’re off. I’ve got a smile as wide as my face, my foot’s tapping
and The Beat Goes On. No sooner has ‘Plants and Rags’ ceased its ragged
noise than Neko Case & Kelly Hogan step up to the plate and just melt my
heart. “I’m going there to see my Father”. Howe’s guitar and gentle
vocals are beautiful enough, but when those angelic voices drift into the
mix its just sublime. I hope The Man In Black gets to hear this. Straight
from here to the drama, rumble and thunder of ‘Red Right Hand’. It’s
hard to believe that isn’t one of Howe’s own. As he twists and spits out
the lyrics through the distortion and noise he makes them belong and he
makes them fit. It’s a huge and ominous beast, “casting a shadow
wherever it stands”…so let’s change direction yet again…click your
fingers… sing along… “Trailers for sale or rent”… this is
hysterical. More Johnny Cash next, delivered at a fine honkey-tonk pace.
Only fitting then, on this chameleon-like album, that it’s followed by
‘Blue Marble Girl’. It’s anthemic right from the start. Just listen to
that guitar! This song just never disappoints. No matter where Howe takes it
or what he does to it, ‘Blue Marble Girl’ stands proud and tall. It’s
a colossus of a song, and one of my all time Giant Sand favourites. This
version doesn’t disappoint. The Inner Flame burns bright. A majestic
performance of one of Rainer’s mightiest tunes. “It’s sort of a prayer
for you all”. Giant Sand deliver the masterful, regal groove of ‘The
Inner Flame’ with all the passion that it deserves, and it sends shivers
down my spine. Then switch again, back to ‘The Beat Goes On’. It’s so
naive, so cool, so Howe all over. Damn, I love it!
- Date: Thu Mar 21 13:24
bigredguitar ((@@)):
- I am a long time scroller and fan. An I just wanted to try a little
something different to spunk up the comments board. Yes, I think glum is by
far the greatest sand disc and also a desert island one as well. No, I have
not picked up or heard a GS version of the songs on cover mag. No I will not
buy it new, I will wait for it to hit the used bins. It has been a couple of
years or more since a new/original GS disc has been released and I go for
Howe's poetry as well as the sounds. Yeah, I know they put their own spin on
somebody else's tunes but I will wait for something original, especially
Howe's word. They have saved my life more than once. Howe's words that is.
- Date: Thu Mar 21 13:10
J (?mike?):
- Mike, is that Wesel, Germany? That's my home's twin town, and it means
donkey. To see the Sand gang here would be too surreal.
- Date: Thu Mar 21 11:26
james s (wow):
- that's good news mike! thanks stephan, scroller, and robert.
- Date: Thu Mar 21 11:09
mike ([sa-wa-ro]):
- Well I'm glad you liked the stuff from the solo tour, 'cause some of it is
on the next Sandman disc(s) (including the 'mirrorball' bit from Wesel) ...
and will be going in the post in the next couple of days. It's a fantastic
recording, all soundboard .... so thanks to Stefan Rohrich, Tommy Gailer and
Robert Cos who managed to set up their mindiscs and capture some great
moments from Howe (and friends). Details will be e-mailed out later.
- Date: Thu Mar 21 11:05
christine (yes, i am connected):
- how beautiful the cover is! that's some color.
- Date: Thu Mar 21 10:16
jpr (@clarification.net):
- perfection of howeccentric imperfection, of course.
- Date: Thu Mar 21 07:54
Blaine (@work):
- Content? Perfection? Never thought I'd see them words used in regard to
Howe/GS - but if you are seeing the releases from Chore to Cover as a vague
chapter, I'd kinda agree. Then again everything changes. Still. I'd be real
surprised if the search is ever over.
- Date: Thu Mar 21 07:44
nick (astonished):
- long time viewer, few times poster...live in l.a. but am going back to the
homeland of new mexico when the sand-wagon comes through town. sad and glum
about missing the revival, my only solace is that i saw lambchop a few days
ago. very intimate, very good scaled down chop. anyone want to memorize
every detail about the show and then tell it to me later? howe solo at the
amoeba records too, i guess i miss out all over...well, good day...
- Date: Thu Mar 21 07:38
jpr (@another.planet):
- well, the concert i saw was indeed a great concert in itself. i just had
had the impression that howe had been on a musical quest over the years and
now searching time is over. perfection of the variations and little tricks
we'd seen and heard over the years. more head, less instinct. don't get me
wrong, i like this state of (seemingly) content perfection. i just don't see
a 'new' direction at the horizon.
- Date: Thu Mar 21 06:22
hankering in there (;-)):
- Stefan, you are sooo right. Very touching shows (even if I can only speak
for the one I witnessed). And sooo much fun to watch Howe in turn have such
fun on stage like with playing Johnny Cash singing in German from his
discman, then doing several Johnny covers and last but not least just
playing a Cash song (don't remember which, though) and doing a little
Karaoke show but without singing - that was a blast. Howe astounds me every
time I see him. I don't know for the other shows, but for you other sandies
another little story to tell: Before he started to play the new Kylie
Minouge (the man seems to follow the charts...)song from his discman, he
told the crowd that it's the weekend and that they probably wanted to dance,
so he asked the sound guy to switch on the "mirrorball"
(Discokugel, you know), then he played the song for a little bit, asking the
crowd "is it wrong to like this song?" That's a new Howe, I would
say. And I have to admit, I love this new Howe very much.
- Date: Thu Mar 21 05:36
Stefan (StefanRoehrich@t-online.de):
- That's strange, jpr - for me, the shows in January and February were very
touching in the way Howe related & responded to the audiences & in
the special atmosphere he managed to conjure up most of the time. And
musically, it was surprising to see Howe work without any effect devices
& still see him constantly experiment with the sound like when he wedged
the pick between the strings to produce a kind of muffled gamelan sound.
Highly original is true - when I first heard "Planet Impulse", I
instantly recognized it as a new song of Howe's because nobody else writes
lyrics like that.
- Date: Thu Mar 21 02:48
jpr (@assumption.planet):
- though i don't think about music in terms of 'having balls' (anymore) i
think everyone has all the right to judge 'based on assumptions'.
assumptions based on listening to live recordings from the past years and on
the fact that for the first time howe didn't surprise me at the last concert
i saw in february. he seems to have found a higky original 'style' that
suits him well at the moment. and that's perfect. just not surprising for me
(at the moment - that might change again). and not touching (as it was when
the times where different and i was much younger). so maybe i understand
what you're missing, big red guitar. but it's a thing of the past, i guess.
- Date: Wed Mar 20 17:04
glue sniffer (the fun bus):
- i agree completly with the man from delmonte he liked to say yes to red
guitars and so i in part ie finger and thumb whole hartedly agree with the
motion of the asumption and please rember to tie a not in your payjamas,
lets make ice not beer, love mr gs
- Date: Wed Mar 20 16:21
Shaun H. (reaPRAISE ALL):
- hey Mitch - you're so right pal, it's ALL there, i just needed to figure
it out. took me 3 spins, and i know there's just so much more to unearth.
never given too much thought to the name over the years, aside from the
obvious desert connotations, but it's so apparent now just how appropriate a
moniker Giant Sand is. i totally agree w/ the overall sentiment that any
expectations should be left behind in the trunk, and that you should just
approach it w/ spade in hand and see what you can dig up. the only problem i
have is what to follow it w/? me, i'm gonna drag these lazy bones into bed
w/ a little jackie mittoo to soothe me a-sleep. night all.
- Date: Wed Mar 20 15:54
tom (out on a continent):
- Will be having the pleasure of hearing Lambchop in a few weeks time in
Brussels, don't know if there's any opening band. So if anyone can tell me
something about Character in advance, feel free to do so.. Played a full
hour of guitar on the FM tonight. Bands included were : And you will know us
by the trail of death, The Wedding Present, McLusky, Ikara Colt, Jesus &
Mary Chain (good old Psychocandy album), Karate, Icarus line and Mars Volta.
It's "new" music, but I don't see a point there. I'm listening to
everything that interests me, no matter where it comes from or what others
have to say about it. there's postmodernism for ya. Haven't had the time to
pick up my copy of Cover Magazine yet. And I never draw conclusions based on
hearsay. Love to all sandies.
- Date: Wed Mar 20 15:40
james s (Re):
- You bet, mitch. i found a brief review of Character's CD on amazon and
they mentioned "early Tortoise" but that rocks more. sounds
promising. later.
- Date: Wed Mar 20 14:41
Mitch (85719):
- Hey, James S, good to see you back again...I was getting worried. But as
for "Character" can't say I've heard of 'em. Let me know
though--about them and Lambchop. Lucky you.
- Date: Wed Mar 20 14:28
Erik (Still.........):
- Okay I lied ,A little stab!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Date: Wed Mar 20 14:22
Erik (Still up in it):
- Without stabbing I will say this, bigredguitar youre comments seemed
unfound and based on assumption.If you are stuck in the past(glum) and cant
get out find another band/artist that more fits youre new tastes.Glum is my
favorite record too,but what are you hoping to achieve by downtrodding the
newer stuff?Are you hoping Howe will read youre words and make Glum all over
again??
- Date: Wed Mar 20 13:29
james s (hello):
- well said, mitch. i, for one, have been obsessed with the sand, only the
obsession must be subsiding a bit because I passed up the instant
gratification of picking up cover mag last night at tower records, which is
still open when I get off work, to wait for the weekend to see if I can pick
it up at a non-chain, hopefully cheaper! But my reason for posting is this:
has anyone out there heard the band "Character"?? They are opening
for lambchop on friday and I'm wondering what I'm in for.
- Date: Wed Mar 20 12:41
Mitch (85719):
- Can't say it's "tenseness" on my part as much as a general
annoyance with someone basing their opinions on projection rather
than--well--listening to Cover Magazine first before offering something
critical about it (especially when things like "light" and
"no balls to the music again" are thrown out like fact).
"Obsessive," I don't know--that might apply in the most benign
sense of the word. I'd be lying if I didn't say I loved the music and felt
fairly comfortable with sliding in whatever direction Giant Sand and its
various guises move. However, there are songs I savor more than others, and
some I don't often listen to (has to do more with what I personally lean
toward than anything else)--so it's not just a blind faith kind of
enjoyment. I also have my expectations with artists that I'm drawn
toward--but I think what usually grabs me is when artists follow their own
desires to create something--taking chances, exploring, etc.--rather than
appeasing or catering to what their fans might feel they want from them. To
do otherwise often runs the risk of, let's see, treading dangerously close
to the Rod Stewart end of things.
- Date: Wed Mar 20 10:58
bigredguitar ((@@)):
- a little fly in the ointment. Love reading your words sandsters. There is
no one like the boys, Howe, Joe and John. I do sense a bit of tenseness on
the part of you cyberfans, however. OBSESSION perhaps and everything changes
even opinions if given the time and desire. Love
- Date: Wed Mar 20 09:49
Mike (mikerossiter@hotmail.com):
- I just bought the album for £13:99. That's alright for a new release. I
think this album is really similar to errrr... 'Confluence'! Yeah. Not at
all like 'Chore...'. It has more meanderings than previous work and is way
way way more popular jazz at times. This only reinforces my claims to how(e)
multi-talented they are. They rule!
- Date: Wed Mar 20 09:46
Tommy Gailer (rubbin`& scrollin`):
- Have to rub my eyes: german`s rolling stone april issue has a nice review
of "cover-magazin" and gives Howe 3,5 stars...can`t remember when
a Giant Sand/Howe album got so many stars...maybe "Swerve"?
Incorrect the review is, `cause the author says that John and Joey are
playin very rare on this one...well i don`t know exactly what
"rare" is, but John appears on 7 songs, Joey on six. One should
call him up and tell him about the possibility to get the correct info`s
through the internet...well, we can be lucky that they don`t ignore Howe.
- Date: Wed Mar 20 09:22
poot (~__Yup__~):
- Cover Magazine. Excellent. Excellent indeed.
- Date: Wed Mar 20 08:02
Blaine (@gain):
- Sand by definition is shifting.
- Date: Wed Mar 20 08:00
Blaine (@work):
- "Light rock side"? Hmmm... when they switch gears from El Paso
to Weekend, that's about as heavy as Glum's dynamics. Overall, Magazine
doesn't seem to have been intended to be a rock alb. (Really, only Howe
could weigh in on this stuff and he hasn't called a press conference yet.)
Typically and by nature, this sort of record comes from a variety of source
material -- my theory at least. Since it's not intially coming from the
collective pen of GS, it's up to them to warp things to their own vision.
The problem here is the listener has original versions=preconceptions to
overcome. On those terms, it's far better than most covers/tribute albs.
Sonically speaking, my guess is it will go down as a neat little companion
to Chore & Rock Opera.
- Date: Wed Mar 20 07:01
Erik (Up in it ):
- Got the magazine o'covers yesterday.So far, El Paso/Out on the weekend and
Red Right Hand, are grabbing the drum o'ears.I dont know about
"LIGHT" as I hear sparkles of "GLUM" in the first 5
minutes of the disc.Like you said Mitch,what is light anyways? As I can only
speak for me-self this is the first "Covers record" ive been
excited about and think it not to be A dissapointment.Artists change over
the years and so they should.Who wants the same record o'er and o'er
again.Big props to the sounds captured by one of my favorite
Engineer/Producers Craig Shoemaker and of course Jon and Joe and all
else.Now, the wait for the Tour Van to arrive "here in real time".
- Date: Tue Mar 19 21:34
Mitch (85719):
- Good points, Paul. As for the "light" thing--if someone hasn't
heard Cover Magazine, but knows both "Red Right Hand" &
"Johnny Hit & Run Pauline" are on it, then their idea of
"light" is much different than mine.
- Date: Tue Mar 19 16:28
paul (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):
- More thoughts on Covers, I've listened several times over the past two
days and it gets better. Being an album of cover songs I do miss Howe's
words, I think that his lyrics are exceptional in the main, he is one of
those oft mentioned but rarely found "rock poets", the density and
sheer delight in the sounds of words put together that he displays are
sometime awesome. On a covers album that part is neccisarily reduced,
someone else wrote the lyrics. That said my favourite right now is Red Right
Hand as I think it has some of Howe's way with words in it and the music
(not light by any means) is vintage Glummish Sandnoise. King of the Road, in
contrast, is OK, an overfamiliar song that Howe walks through. I still
really dig The beat Goes On, gonzo lyrics and the band giving it laldy!
- Date: Tue Mar 19 15:33
Mitch (85719):
- Or maybe by "sandsters" you meant Howe and the gang? Either way,
hold off your rant until you've actually put Cover into your head.
- Date: Tue Mar 19 15:31
Mitch (85719):
- Big Red Guitar, opinions are always welcome, but don't assume you have any
personal insight to speak for me or any other Sandster here. Anyway, there's
nothing "light" (whatever that means) in Cover Magazine. If you
haven't heard it yet, perhaps reserve your thoughts until you do--tends to
be more valid that way.
- Date: Tue Mar 19 15:13
penisbreath (@anisnin.com):
- Long live Henry Miller
- Date: Tue Mar 19 15:11
big red guitar ((@@)):
- I prefer the more caustic sand stuff. So from what i read it seems the new
record is of the more light rock side. No balls to the music again. The rock
opera years is a great disc and it rocks harder then chore record. But glum
is the sand record to have. The unsunglum new song structure should not have
been messed with. By putting pappy in the middle ruins the whole magic of
the disc. Should of left well enough alone. I thinking the sandsters have
gone soft with their new light rock. What ever happened to the Sand Rubies?
Remember "It's better to burn out then rust"
- Date: Tue Mar 19 12:07
concerned (@~@):
- As a masturbating paraplegic Giant Sand enthusiast I'm curious as to
"hypodermically hippocritically moved to say"'s (glue sniffer's)
comment about how painful it is to watch paraplegics "masterbate"
. I personally have no problem with voyeurism but if it's causing you pain
perhaps you should focus your attention on other interests.
- Date: Tue Mar 19 10:02
chowyunmat (min.com):
- got cover mag over here in england, but its a thrill jockey import!? are
loose no longer distributing the sand? and it says 2001 on the back(!?)
also, did i read somewhere that there was another (proper) sand lp on the
horizon? anyone know?
- Date: Tue Mar 19 07:50
Harvieux (Tundra +12" ):
- Shall be pickin up Cover Mag....today and on another note have you all
heard Richard Buckners "THE HILL" amazing conceptual piece.Jon and
Joey and Richard are at their best here.Some ruff ragged glory abound on
this record why the hell didnt I pic it up in 2000???
- Date: Tue Mar 19 06:24
richard (at work):
- 'just heard red right hand on the uncut cd sweet. cant wait to see you
live rich
- Date: Tue Mar 19 05:17
Mitch (85719):
- Now there ya go! Duets...the possibilities seem endless and too good to
ponder...hmmmmmmm...
- Date: Tue Mar 19 04:03
Shaun H. (pop idylls):
- ...Howe's got the character which makes it interpretations rather than
just a bunch of cover versions. can't wait now for the first full-blown
duets LP.
- Date: Tue Mar 19 03:13
Mitch (85719):
- Hi, Shaun. Well, lots of thoughts on Cover Magazine, as it has been
playing and floating around the place for about a week now. In a way, it's
my dream Giant Sand, because I've long favored previous covers like
"Route 66" and "Trouble Man" (Waylon Waylon Waylon).
Different from Chore, you betcha. On par, you betcha. It's hard to measure
this thing called Giant Sand, so I have my own personal approach--which is
to simply take each release as a chapter: the on-going moments in a
continually evolving work. Anyway, can't stop repeating "Beat Goes
On" and "Plants & Rags". Tough songs to make your
own...and yet...
- Date: Tue Mar 19 01:53
Shaun H. (cover thoughts):
- gotta say it didn't grab me and shake me, and wow me, and make me want to
take today off sick just so i could spend all day w/ it, but then stupid me,
shoulda learned by now. i think i wanted something i could put on in the
office, and say NOW DO YOU F*****G GET IT?, but this ain't the one. i'm sure
i'll be loving it as much as everything in else in next to no time, but i
sense that if you could possibly put Sanders in 2 camps, then the most
logical differentiation would be those that want the more caustic sound of
GLUM, and those that crave the warmth of the OP8 album and the majority of
CHORE.., i'm in the latter camp, which i think just means i'll need to give
it a little more time, but that's the joy w/ all Howe's work, just waiting
for it to slowly unravel.....
- Date: Tue Mar 19 01:38
Guni ((retrorock)):
- ...and, Paul, don't forget to look for Close to the Edge and some Gentle
Giant (without Sand). +++ Ian, your choice of missed concert would be mine,
too... +++
- Date: Mon Mar 18 15:48
paul (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):
- la dee la dee da.......Cover Magazine is in the house and once again our
man Howe has come up with the goods. vintage Sand sounds on Red Right hand
and Blue Marble girl, some great bossa nova with Beat and enough intriguing
sounds to keep me happy as a kid in a (giant) sandbox for some time. Hearing
Iron Man was weird, reminded me of the time when I was around 14 and had a
copy of Black Sabbath's Paranoid album. I sold all my prog rock and heavy
stuff when I met a girl who was into the Byrds, Dylan and Neil Young. Never
looked back but these days some of those songs have a mighty strong
nostalgic pull, The Yes album, Court of the crimson King, The Nice and 5
bridges and I suppose, after today, that Back Sabbath album, time to hunt
the charity shops record bins methinks. Paul
- Date: Mon Mar 18 15:41
hypodermically hippocritcally moved to say (The main feature will
follow shortly in the mean time):
- so i like the feelies yes. and thom waits and tom yorke. and ready made
packet soup. all of these are old things. on the new things front the
Stutterkicks are good but wrong, Omatic are still too funky. the rock of
travolta do somthing but mean while back in communist russia real do exist
but watching them is a s pain full as trying to watch a paraplegic
masterbate. true. love you al hope your well. Are any giant sanderey doctors
or at least had same experice. on saterday got badley drunk fell asleep on
my hand - woke up with a numb left hand side of face now just ear is numb? i
did once hear that richie blackmoore passed out on his arm and had too have
guitar tuned so he could just use on finger. any way advice much apericated.
yours true the glue sniffer
- Date: Mon Mar 18 07:39
erwin (airwing):
- re:treeman: try making an oak enchilada.. crispy
- Date: Sun Mar 17 15:28
paul (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):
- Chou Pahrot, indeed. I saw them at Kelvingrove, as I recall a great many
people left as the band jumped up and down shouting "mince". Great
days. To throw in some sand related stuff another Glasgow band I saw were
the Snakes of Shake, i believe their drummer played on Can't Put Your Arms
around a Memory on Thin Line Man. They were from a later Glasgow scene in
the mid 80s which produced Lloyd Cole's Commotions. Should be able to put my
arms around a copy of Covers tomorrow. Anticipating
- Date: Sun Mar 17 03:46
Torben (tdh@hansen.mail.dk):
- Still stunned and trying to point out some highpoints on cover magazine..I
love "El Paso/Out On The Weekend", "Iron Man" &
"Red Right Hand"..and, and, and man it's good..I think the songs
on cover magazine are just SO MUCH Howe Gelb that they could have all been
Gelb originals..... I guess this album kind of shows what make Howe Gelb so
unique. Whether it's his own material or other peoples material Howe
personalises the music to an extinct not many are capable of... VIVA HOWE
.... TH
- Date: Sun Mar 17 00:50
Ian (again):
- My god Paul, Chou Pahrot!!! I have their album and many a fond, if blurred
, memory of them playing the Burns Howff and Kelvingrove. This brings back
memories of some great pubs that have now departed. The Amphora,The Dial Inn
and the Howff being the main music venues that I frequented.
- Date: Sat Mar 16 18:25
J (X@it-was the Venue):
- night night sandfolk
- Date: Sat Mar 16 18:21
treeman (Y-NO-TREES-ERWIN):
- WE LUV TREES
- Date: Sat Mar 16 18:20
J (PPS@honest I will shut up):
- Saw X at (I think) the Lyceum, have the pics to prove it. Was that also in
'82? I can't find my ticket for that one. To save me the trouble of waking
my family to check my underused vinyl collection, can someone tell me if
'Dancing with tears in my eyes' is a cover? if it is, add it to my list.
Exene wore a leopard print stetson, and Billy Zoom played a sparkly silver
Gretsch as if it was part of him. Didn't he play with Gene Vincent?
- Date: Sat Mar 16 17:51
J (PS@sorry I'll shut up now):
- It cost £2.50 for a ticket, where have those days gone..
- Date: Sat Mar 16 17:38
J (Re:gigs):
- Saw Gun Club at the Venue, Victoria (London) 1982, their 1st UK show with
the line up from 'Fire of love' All dressed up like an Elvis from hell...
- Date: Sat Mar 16 17:35
J (Re:covers):
- Gun Club 'Run through the jungle', Green On Red 'How time slips away',
Johnny Cash 'One' Waiting on cover magazine in the post, and also 'Engine'
(American Music Club) Their finest moment ever. Can hardly wait for either.
Rewarding myself for not smoking.
- Date: Sat Mar 16 17:22
paul (bbbbbbbbbbb@bbbbbbbbb):
- I saw Led Zeppelin in Glasgow at the old Greens playhouse in Glasgow,
others included Beefheart, Zappa, Stones, Neil Young/Eagles, Emmylou harris
and a host of others who don't seem to get mentioned too much, Poco, Ozark
Mountain Daredevils, Andy Fairweather Lowe, Fairport Convention, King
crimson, ELP. can I just say that Poco were totally amazing. Around the time
of Rose of Cimarron which I think is a bloody great album. However, in
1976-7 I was dipping my toes in the punk thing, as Ian said the Glasgow city
fathers banned the Pistols, a bunch of us were sitting in a pub and heard a
rumour that the Pistols were playing a secret gig in a (what is now a
snooker hall) near Charing Cross so we upped and went, lots of peoppple
there but no gig. My first punk gig was the stranglers in the City halls.
Anyway, best Glasgow band, Chou Pahrot, anyone heard of them. Used to play
in the burns Howf.
- Date: Sat Mar 16 16:15
paul (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):
- You shpuld be able to see a good review of Covers at
http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/g/giant-sand/cover-magazine.shtml
Paul
- Date: Sat Mar 16 12:29
erwin (nacho as in a course with cheese, no trees):
- cover magazine landed. bull's eye. iron man with conga, trumpet &
running watery thing.. ha! retire on.. -- question/pregunta for those living
in nacho area: what ever happened to the ball/qué pasó, pelota-wise?
- Date: Sat Mar 16 07:27
Torben (tdh@hansen.mail.dk):
- I can only agree on the fact that Patti Smith's "comeback" early
90's was GREAT and NOT only for nostalgic reasons. She really (pardon my
language)kicked butt. I also think her latest releases are really good.
Patti Smith's show was one of the best at Roskilde that year and I'm still
envious of my friend (a music writer) who went back stage and interviewed
her. This guy often teases me with back stage photo's of Patti Smith and
himself. I also thought Television's early 90's comeback was ok (lotta
nostalgia). A total FLOP on the other hand was Velvet Underground's 90's
comeback. I thought they weren't even a shadow of themselves. This also goes
for Sex Pistols, I think their reunion was one I could easily have lived
without. I saw them at Roskilde when they left the stage early after being
bombed with bottles by some ignorant nut, so I didn't really get to see that
much of them. If Uncle Tupelo were to reunite and make new material I would
also welcome back Uncle Tupelo. I was so lucky to get to see Uncle Tupelo
live 5 times in one year and they were really great every time. A band I
would love to have reunite and then to see them in a "Smaller"
inside venue is Pixies. I saw them as one of the opening acts for Bowie in
Shüttdorf once. Sad place to see this great band (outside on a mega big
stage & in front of 35000+ people). TH
- Date: Sat Mar 16 00:19
Mitch (85719):
- Wouldn't mind seeing Uncle Tupelo get themselves together again. And as
opposed to reuniting for an "oldies" tour to cash in, I'd welcome
a band like The Clash walking into the studio again (at least, to their
credit, they haven't done the tour thing, despite lots of wishful hoping).
- Date: Fri Mar 15 13:22
Rob S ((())):
- For me it would have to be the Beach Boys with the original line up with
Dennis on drums. Managed to catch Brian Wilson at Royal Festival Hall few
weeks back, amazing but not as amazing as it would have been if Carl,
Dennis, Mike, Bruce and Al had been there. So whats everybody looking
forward to this summer? Cant wait to get some sun on my bones here in good
old blighty. Cheers.
- Date: Fri Mar 15 13:17
Stefan (StefanRoehrich@t-online.de):
- Hi, I somehow regret that I've never seen Zappa and/or Beefheart live. And
I would have loved to see This Heat. I don't regret never having seen the
Sex Pistols, though. .......... Nice to see Thin White Rope mentioned here.
I knew only one of their songs when I went to see them back in 1991, I
think, and they really blew me away. They started the show with Some Velvet
Morning - the best cover of that song I've heard so far. Surely one of the
best concerts I've ever been to. The second TWR show I saw was also great
but lacked the surprise factor. I was also lucky enough to see Townes van
Zandt twice.
- Date: Fri Mar 15 13:13
Shaun H. ([past lives]):
- London may be home, but for me it would have to be the Clash playing
N.Y.C. circa 1980, 'cos that way you wouldn't have to worry about hanging
around for a night bus afterwards, and you could grab a toasted bagel w/
Muenster cheese on the way back, or just nurse black coffee in the Cheyenne
Diner 'till sun up.
- Date: Fri Mar 15 12:56
Back again (One more time):
- I have to agree with you on reunions. The majority of them suck and blow
and are quite clearly cash in's. You are correct about Patti though, I saw
her in 1978 I think and then again in the early 90's when she returned, the
90's show, with Tom Verlaine, was far better. I saw her last year in London
and, I hate to say it, the material sounded a bit laboured. Green on red
would be a cool reunion but Chuck seems to be forging ahead with his own
stuff and does anyone know where Dan is these days? The only other reunion I
can think of at the moment that really rocked was Black Sabbath in 1999.
- Date: Fri Mar 15 12:53
tom ((missed gigs)):
- Give me the ability to time travel and I will instantly go back to Paris
1962 to hear Coltrane play with McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison and Elvin Jones.
After that I will be on my way to see Charlie Parker play somewhere in a
little club. Two years ago I saw Waits play live for the first time in my
life (had to drive to Paris for the concert, and it was definetely worth
it).
- Date: Fri Mar 15 12:15
Blaine (@work):
- Reunions as a rule suck, but if a band gets back together and continues
with new material there is no reason not to pursue it. That said, none of us
are immune to nostalgia. Having spent my formative years in the upper
regions of Wisconsin, with only Creem magazine as an artery to rock and
roll, I came to the big city later than the rest. But I have seen Patti
Smith twice since she's been back and it is hard to believe she was better
than this in her first go-round. Big Star and Televsion's intital returns
some years back were hackle-raising for similar reasons. I caught both gigs
in Chicago and the same thing happened eac time -- an entire room of people
who never had any reason to believe they would hear these songs played in
person. After each tune faded the audience stilled itself and waited, and it
only took the opening notes of the next song for another collective
adrenaline-surge from the spark of recognition. Also, I did get to see Thin
White Rope at a poorly attended college gig. To this day I have never heard
any band control gtr feedback so well and make it a part of the music.
Puppet Doll is a great one.
- Date: Fri Mar 15 09:23
mike (that old feller):
- Ian - keep that ticket, probably worth a few bob now. I almost got to see
the Sex Pistols at Brunel Uni.... the night before, a friend had a ticket
for the SPOTS... I'd never heard of them so didn't take up the offer. It was
only later I found out it was the Sex Pistols On Tour. Not sure about what
bands I'd like to see reform... usually there's been a good reason why
they've split up... and they never get to sound like they did the first time
round. On the subject of Thin White Rope though, Guy Kyser has a new band
and album, The Mummydogs, out soon on Frontier.
- Date: Fri Mar 15 08:07
Me Again (Once again):
- Which makes me think, even though I am opposed to censorship, particularly
censorship of music, what music would you like to ban? I would certainly be
in favour of getting rid of manufactured stuff like Hearsay and if I never
heard Macy Gray again it would be too soon
- Date: Fri Mar 15 08:01
Me again (Again):
- I forgot to mention The Sex Pistols. I had a ticket for the Anarchy In The
Uk tour featuring The Pistols, The Ramones and half a dozen other bands at
the Glasgow Apollo Theatre. Unfortunately the City Fathers decided that it
was all likely to corrupt us youngsters so the show was banned. I still have
my ticket, it cost 35p !! The same City Fathers also banned Monty Pythons
Life Of Brian around the same time and I believe the ban stayed in place
until about 3 years ago.
- Date: Fri Mar 15 08:01
Torben (tdh@hansen.mail.dk):
- I'm extremely sad that I never got to see Frank Sinatra, Tim Harding, Tim
Buckley or Nick Drake live and I'm very happy that I did get to see Townes
Van Zandt live (once) & Thin White Rope several times before they split
up. This leads to another question...which band would you like to have get
back together again, release a CD and go out on the road ???? I for one
would say Thin White Rope, Green on Red and Dream Syndicate ......... TH
- Date: Fri Mar 15 07:51
Ian Gillan (GILLANIAN@aol.com):
- I am too young to have seen Hendrix or The Doors which is rather
disappointing. I sort of saw Led Zep at Knebworth but they didnt come
onstage until 11pm and I had been drinking beer since 11am so I dont
remember much about that one. I would love to have seen Led Zep on top form,
which judging by most of the bootlegs I have heard was not that often. I
know Mike saw The Mothers in 1967 and I am very jealous but I was only 3
years old so i dont suppose I would have appreciated it anyway. Other than
that I think I have been lucky enough to see most of the bands I like or at
least still have a chance of doing so......
- Date: Fri Mar 15 07:10
Blaine (@musicfantasycamp):
- You live long enough and keep yr eyes open you'll see justabout
everything, my grandpa once said. Still, would liked to have seen, Hank Sr.,
Howlin' Wolf, John Coltrane, the Velvets w/Cale and Crazy Horse MkI. Maybe
even Creedence. Closer to reality, Howe & Rainer would have been a
treat. Mitch, TVZ was one of the best.
- Date: Fri Mar 15 04:11
mike ([sa-wa-ro]):
- Not wanting to appear big-headed, but there isn't that many bands that
I've wanted to see and haven't (at least at some point of their career). I
certainly would of liked to see more of Jefferson Airplane - I watched them
from just below the stage at the Bath festival back in 1970 as it poured
with rain... Grace was getting soaked (hmmmmmmm) and the equipment started
sparking, so they came off after about three numbers - never got the
opportunity to see them again. And I wish I'd seen Neil Young and Crazy
Horse in a small club instead of some giant arena.... so following on from
that logic, I wish the Who had played in my local pub back in 1971, with
only about 100 people there and free drink for all... this would of course
be at the time I was dating Marylin Monroe (when she was 23 and single -
well, as I was in the Faces, I could have my choice of women then). Back to
reality though, I suppose the '86 version of Giant Sand with Rainer and Neil
Harry would have been a good one to see.
- Date: Fri Mar 15 03:30
Mitch (85719):
- Well, Guni, for me it'd be Stevie Ray Vaughn & Double Trouble--mostly
because I had ample opportunity to see them play several times, and all
times I skipped out thinking I'd get another chance sometime later (even
passed up attending a celebrity baseball game where SRV & DT were
playing). The other would be Townes Van Zandt. Some serious regrets there.
Lastly, Peter Sellers' cover of "She Loves You" is quite lovely.
- Date: Fri Mar 15 02:56
Guni (almost out on the weekend):
- My alltime favourite of the favourites is a cover, too, Jimi Hendrix'
"All along the watchtower". Never found another alltime favourite
although I can't recall how many decades ago I heard it for the first time.
– And (maybe offending enough) I also loved Guns'n'Roses doing
"Knocking on heaven's door" although I didn't like the original at
all. *** So here's a new questions: which band/musician would you have loved
to witness in a live concert, but never made it (and never will cause the
band e.g. split up)? ***
- Date: Fri Mar 15 02:16
Ian Gillan (GILLANIAN@aol.com):
- I could do a huge list of cover versions that I prefer to the originals, G
Sand's version of 'Music Arcade' would be up there, Patti Smith doing 'The
Crystal Ship', The Walkabouts 'Yesterday is Here'(Tom Waits)The Walkabouts
also do a great version of 'Like a Hurricane/smoke on the water which is,
perhaps not as good as the originals but great just the same. I prefer Frank
Zappa doing 'I am the walrus' to whoever it was that did the original. It
would probably be going too far to suggest that Dread Zeppelin were better
than the real thing but I do love their 1st album. Anyone wanting to buy
some 'New Music' could do a lot worse than getting hold of 'Every time a
bell rings an angel gets his wings' by Log (Bad Taste Records BTR53)Its been
getting a lot of airtime in my house although I suspect it will get knocked
off its perch by the new G Sand disc next week
- Date: Thu Mar 14 23:38
Mitch (85719):
- "How much new music do you people buy," asks the apparently
hipper than thou Rev'. Well, if you're at all interested, you'd be
well-advised "Rev'" to scroll down and into previous years. There
you'll find amongst the rabble a fairly conclusive answer to your question.
- Date: Thu Mar 14 17:36
tracey (oh canada...):
- ouch i can't believe that the band is not coming to halifax. i just can't
get to montreal or toronto. so close...it hurts. please howe...come for
hurricane season this year. xxoo trix
- Date: Thu Mar 14 13:46
kf (pdx):
- ha!haaaaa! i thought that was funny rev. maybe cause i'm not really a big
neil or dylan fan for that matter.....harsh but funny. and so you
know...giant sand is my favorite band ...but at the same time i buy tons of
other stuff all the time. have a good one.
- Date: Thu Mar 14 11:57
Torben (tdh@hansen.mail.dk):
- Giant Sand did most of the "Zuma" album live (in small snippets
anyway) I think it was at Substanz München in 1994.
- Date: Thu Mar 14 11:53
Your neighbor Anne (tucsonjam@hotmail.com):
- Hi Howe - they just played your cover of "And the Beat Goes On"
on KXCI. Very groovy.
- Date: Thu Mar 14 09:49
elder (easybuddy@dork.com):
- Revousgoon NEIL does just fine with no love from you goon.
- Date: Thu Mar 14 08:18
revouson's son (revousonson@headincheeks.com):
- uhhhh
- Date: Thu Mar 14 05:54
trey from oz (("hickory wind"by G.Welch too)):
- Revouson...my reply is nearly not enough.
- Date: Wed Mar 13 16:27
revouson (goodoledays@nursinghomes.com):
- well my least favorite neil young moment is when he opens his mouth then
it would follow that my most favorite moment is when he shuts up. on the
subject of covers hum? let me think i like thik bed sheets by sleepwell and
the campervan song by the travling wilburies. enquistily enjoy the earth
crisis verrsion of sunshine of your love verry heavy very loud. 16
horsepowers dlyan stuff good. QUESTION apart form giant sand how much new
music do you people buy?
- Date: Wed Mar 13 11:56
Blaine (@work):
- Least fave Neil moment is every concert when he sings "felt like
getting high". The knee-jerk hippie response take on the Nuremberg
Rallies? Cool covers: JBuckley "Kanga Roo" (where does the Trip
Shakespeare version come from? They were a great live band - interesting
songs/cool psych jamming -- not very Deadlike nor like Semisonic.); Gun Club
"Run Through the Jungle"; NYDolls "Pills"; Dictators
"Rock and Roll"; Roxy Music "Like a Hurricane" (Green on
Red also did this one live -- James S., yup our group used to get compared
to early Dream Syndicate. Did you guys ever record? contact me offlist if
you want bschultz@foleylaw.com) Best cover concept? Michael Hall (Austin
guy/WIld Seeds) did the whole Tonight's the Night alb at a gig once. Nice to
see Mr. Jung making his presence felt again, I thought you checked out years
ago?
- Date: Wed Mar 13 11:12
james s (last time):
- oh, and the bryne ferry cover i liked was "jealous guy", not
"jealous man." duh. i feel the need to renounce my internet
entertainments for a while, so i must now disappear for a bit. got to get
away from the SCREENS once and a while.
- Date: Wed Mar 13 10:41
james s (a blue flickering light):
- two other good cover records are Yo La Tengo's "Fake Book", and
Dump's "Skinny mother fcker with the high voice" (all prince
covers and really good). this site wouldn't let me put in the f-word. how
funny.
- Date: Wed Mar 13 08:14
Keith Evans (keith @genhydro.com):
- Howe....can't wait to see you in San Fran...maybe you can come up and
visit Forestville on your way to Portland..We sure do miss you!!!..please
e-mail so we can talk,Keith.
- Date: Wed Mar 13 06:52
trey from oz ((ahhhhhhz)):
- Best covers? Freedy Johnston's Wichita Linemen; Jeff Buckley's Grace;
Phish's version of the White Album; Tori Amos doing Smells Like Teen Spirit;
Kristen Vigard's "Out in the Woods"; Mojo Nixon's "This Land
is Your Land"; Camper doing "Pictures of Matchstick Men";
Trip Shakespere's doing Kangaroo; out of time....
- Date: Wed Mar 13 06:45
john (off):
- I always like to hear a band do a couple covers, especially if I don't
know them too well. It gives a chance to see how they hear something I'm
familair with, to hear where they're coming from. And besides as Jerry
Garcia said when the Dead were getting a little flack for adding so many
Beatles songs to their repertoire in the early 90's - "they're great
songs, and those guys aren't singin 'em these days." Garcia/the Dead
doing Dylan's "She's an artist" is one of my favorite covers.
(Hope it isn't a faux pas to mention the Dead here. Haven't seen it here
before and I know it gets some people unreasnonably riled up in some circles
. . .)
- Date: Wed Mar 13 05:05
sam (recover):
- mark kozelek (red house painters) made a great album full of AC/DC covers
in a folky style called what`s next to the moon.does somebody remember the
coolies? they did a wild and raw album with only simon and garfunkel
classics in the late 80`s.totally wired and beautiful.never heard of them
again.
- Date: Tue Mar 12 20:16
james s (re:brian ferry):
- I picked up that Brian Ferry a while back just to hear his take on
"my boyfriend's back." Not a great album, but I'm happy it exists.
I did like his cover of "jealous man" (lennon) which i don't think
is on that record (may have been a roxy record, but I can't recall) bye.
- Date: Tue Mar 12 17:55
Mitch (85719):
- Bryan Ferry's "These Foolish Things" has two or three inspired,
revisionist moments among its covers. Just remembered a weird one--Laibach's
version of The Beatles' entire Let It Be album. Okay, can't recommend it as
anything other than an oddity, but so interesting to hear things like
"Let It Be" and "Across The Universe" cast in a somewhat
neo-fascist, mob-chanting flavor (have no idea if that's what Laibach
intended, though).
- Date: Tue Mar 12 16:17
Paul kerr (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):
- The Thunders album is great but I would go for Nick Cave's "Kicking
Against the pricks", an album stuffed with great covers including Hey
Joe, By the Time i Get to Phoenix and Long Black Veil. Great album. paul
- Date: Tue Mar 12 14:42
Shaun H, (on a covers note...):
- ...apart from providing us w/ one of the finest ever songs in "You
Can't Put Your Arms Around A Memory" [Barbican version really should
surface sometime by the way Howe], Johnny Thunders recorded what i would
consider my favourite covers album, well at least for the next 5 days, w/
Patti Palladin called 'Copy Cats', a very playful little album, just like a
bunch of kittens w/ musical balls of thread. aaaaahhhhhhhhhh.
- Date: Tue Mar 12 13:39
Mitch (85719):
- Along the Cover Magazine lines--Bowie's "Pin Ups" comes to mind,
and Elvis Costello's "Kojak Variety". McCartney's "Russian
Album" ain't so bad, either, or even "Run Devil Run". Still
haven't been able to bring myself to apprecaite the cover material on Bob
Dylan's "Self Portrait" or "Dylan"--but keep trying. As
for Wait's "The Black Ryder", I think it's a fine piece of
work--"Crossroads" along makes it worth the price (not to be
confused with Robert Johnson).
- Date: Tue Mar 12 09:10
Tommy Gailer (scrolls-for-cover):
- The new Veranda Music album has very good cover songs...also Steve Wynn`s
"Venus" version is better than the original. A good cover should
prey the essence of a song and put it in a new coat.
- Date: Tue Mar 12 08:25
james s (deja vu):
- great covers that come to mind: "(i can't get no)Satisfaction"
done by Devo; "I fought the Law" by the Clash; "Hey Little
Girl" by the Dead Boys, "Hallelujah" done by Jeff Buckley...
Didn't Green on Red do "Dancing Barefoot", the Patti Smith song,
or how about Patti Smith doing "Gloria". As for records with a lot
of covers, Cowboy Junkies "Trinity Sessions" has a special place
in my heart ("sweet jane" "i'm so lonesome i could cry"
"walking after midnight"... Judging from this list, i like an
artist to do a cover by giving the song a completely fresh interpretation,
not just doing a photo copy of the original.
- Date: Tue Mar 12 06:31
sam (cover):
- which are the best albums with coverversions beside covermagazine.and what
does it take to be a good cover version?---thorben,do you really think that
black rider is a good tom waits album.
- Date: Tue Mar 12 04:27
Torben (tdh@hansen.mail.dk):
- The worst Giant Sand song / album. It is actually a good question, but I
(as those who know me know)am proberly not the person to ask. I have been
blamed of being unable to tell "shit from Shinola" when it comes
to Giant Sand. I have expereinced more than once friends say "Don't ask
Torben he will tell you every thing is great". I have been called
totally uncritical more than once. I remember on the "Purge &
Slouch" tour many of my friends said "wow Howe has really lost it
now", but I thought all the improvosing and wierdness was unbelievable
great. That's one thing I like about Giant Sand live...you never know what
you're gonna get...even if you knew what tracks were to be played in advance
you would still be surprised........ I have the same problem as above with
Tom Waits..... He hasn't made anything not GREAT either....TH
- Date: Tue Mar 12 01:46
chowyunmat (now):
- cheers for a reply blaine! to who ever didn't like the question,though not
too popular in the world at the moment, through communication comes
understanding.and lets face it we are all fans else we wouldn't be here. i
actually like vex(paris)- it's a good preamble to vex(tucson). though i
asked the question i'm not sure i dislike any giant sand songs. maybe i
could live without skits and pieces like actually faxing sophia, but most of
the proper songs sound fresh.
- Date: Mon Mar 11 18:59
Torben (tdh@hansen.mail.dk):
- Blaine..Funny how peoples taste varies.."Long Stem Rant" has
always been one of my favorite Giant Sand Albums (I guess even my all time
fave). I've always considered this a top 25 album ever...along with Neil
Young's "Zuma", Tom Waits' "Raindogs", Cacavas'
"Junkyard Love = 1st. solo Album", Frank Sinatra
"Watertown" + 20 others....I love the scraps & pieces and I
have always considered it a sort of turning point in the history of Giant
Sand. I feel it was the first major steps away from the more
"straight" rock stuff from the early albums (I love them too, but
L.S.R. knocked me over) and I consider "Searchlight", "Paved
Road To Berlin" & "Sandman" to be everlasting
classics....In my opinion "Long Stem Rant" has it all...rock
classics, rootsy countryish hits and a whole lotta sonics &
noise.....Very hard to describe... Almost like a collage with some beautiful
pictures and a whole lotta scraps, scrapings & cutouts all around that
add up to something beautiful to enjoy but quiet hard to describe or
categorize.....................................
..................................Talking Neil Young....."Landing On
Water" was hard for me to get used to......but then again as Howe once
said on Danish national radio "Even when Neil's bad he is good"
.............................. ............................................
- Date: Mon Mar 11 15:44
paul kerr (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):
- Least favourite Neil Young song, that's easy. Has to be Horse With No Name
:)
- Date: Mon Mar 11 13:43
james s (going back a ways):
- Blaine, I recall you going on about Green on Red not too long ago. I was
in a band called Beyond John back in the early eighties. Gravity Talks and
Days of Wine & Roses (dream syndicate) were our BIGGEST influences at
the time. I guess you and I have been traveling some of the same musical
roads for some time. Oh, and Neil has lesser works? Ha. Least favorite Neil
Young songs, anyone? Just Kidding.
- Date: Mon Mar 11 09:58
Blaine (@work):
- Least liked GS tune is surely a valid question. I sure as heck don't pull
out some of Neil Young's, ahem, lesser works too often. That said, I tend to
think Howe's m.o. has evolved to something different than most recording
artists. (I could be waay of base here.) But some of the the quote/unquote
verite excursions are an equally important slice of the landscape. Which
album proper have I listened to least? Long Stem Rant - not sure why. Maybe
b/c I got it around the time I got Glum, which remains in rotation. But GS's
live and one-offs (Goods & Svcs; Purge; Rock Opera 2) really have a
charm that grows (unlike most artists'quickies), and in the case of Opera 2
- it is an actual greatness. Preaching to the converted, but we aren't
talking about yr avg band here.
- Date: Mon Mar 11 09:29
Blaine (@work):
- Least liked GS tune is surely a valid question. I sure as heck don't pull
out some of Neil Young's, ahem, lesser works too often. That said, I tend to
think Howe's m.o. has evolved to something different than most recording
artists. (I could be waay of base here.) But some of the the quote/unquote
verite excursions are an equally important slice of the landscape. Which
album proper have I listened to least? Long Stem Rant - not sure why. Maybe
b/c I got it around the time I got Glum, which remains in rotation. But GS's
live and one-offs (Goods & Svcs; Purge; Rock Opera 2) really have a
charm that grows (unlike most artists'quickies), and in the case of Opera 2
- it is an actual greatness. Preaching to the converted, but we aren't
talking about yr avg band here.
- Date: Mon Mar 11 07:15
glue sniffer (ps sorry iu forgot):
- who ever bought all the giant sand vinyal in birmingham i am on too you i
hate learning
- Date: Mon Mar 11 07:13
glue sniffewr (drunk tank war man armrour):
- any one still got the use of their legs?, lost mine on thursday back on
the old zimmer but life goes on. life since retiring has been slow i find
the pace of this board about as much as i can handdle. oh sweet old age, i
will not go fgenttle into the night. Always remeber the line about wise men
who have not left theoir mark! love you all like brothers. but , lets stop
this 13 year old girl chit chat its sad, we have at our fingers the greatest
mionds and access to littreture but not spell checkers and we can do better
people. nice sounding red hand. playing it safe yours true glueey
- Date: Sun Mar 10 17:29
paul kerr (p.kerr@ntlworld.co.):
- "BARE" in mind!!!! As I was looking through the old posts I
noticed that even then I was crying out for a spell checker. Covers album
next week, It's not that often that one can anticipate a new Sand album so
soon, I'm trying to savour this moment, at the same time I'm itching to get
at it, savour, itch, savour, itch, savour, itch,savo...........
- Date: Sun Mar 10 17:24
Paul Kerr (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):
- Regarding polls, I tried to do one in late 99, you can look at the
archives to see some of the responses. Anyway, the result as I saw it then
was............ Favourite Sand songs - result. Well it didn't set the grass
on fire. So few votes but maybe these things are dumb. Anyway, one vote
apiece for Wonder, Seldom Matters, Warm Storm, Artists, World Stands Still
(BBQSuite), Trickle Down System, Angels at Night. I vote for Troubled Man
but change my mind every time I listen to a different album. So its a draw
and eveyone wins. The best Sand song is the one you're listening to right
now or the next new one you hear. Bare in mind, this was before anything
that was released after. Seldom matters.
- Date: Sun Mar 10 14:10
mike (not a happy [sa-wa-ro]):
- If anyone was wondering why the poll, sandman form (and any number of
other things I might of missed) aren't working too well at present on the
sa-wa-ro site.... it's because my ISP has decided to 'upgrade' without prior
notification....hence the mess. Normal service should be resumed presently.
- Date: Sat Mar 9 12:38
J (re: chill outside):
- Paul, you surely have said it! Vex in Paris is interesting, but not really
what I'm after.
- Date: Sat Mar 9 08:44
Tommy Gailer (least fave scroll):
- My least fave sand song? No idea...but i could tell you my least Sand
song, I hope I ddon't upset anyone but it is the Chill Outside, too
poppy(?). There, i've said it.
- Date: Fri Mar 8 14:56
james s (most unfavorite):
- you better go first, chowyunmat. I know some records much better than
others. There may be a GS song out there that I really just hate but haven't
heard yet. The songs that I do know, that on first listen struck me least,
typically end up, with multiple listening, joining ranks with the favorites,
so I just don't know...
- Date: Fri Mar 8 14:38
Mitch (85719):
- You meant "least most favorite", right? ;+}
- Date: Fri Mar 8 01:42
chowyunmat (ho chi min):
- respect to spoink n cranky - i've now got down home, unsungglum and rock
opera! but here's a question for y'all - what's your LEAST favourite sand
song?
- Date: Thu Mar 7 18:40
tom ((re : mitch)):
- Lambchop will be playing in Brussels on sunday 14th of April. Should be a
very sunday feeling kinda thing (show starts at 18h00 in the late sunday
afternoon), I'll be looking for the rare stuff (vervoorttom@hotmail.com).
- Date: Thu Mar 7 17:14
Mitch (85719):
- Hey, James. Yeah, we finally rented Nico Icon and enjoyed it
completely--well, at least found it sadly facsinating. I kinda found myself
admiring the way she turned on her own beauty, and was horrified by the fact
that she hooked her own son on heroin. Dark stuff, but beautiful too. Does
that make sense? Haven't tracked down the bio yet. Pete's deep into M.
Faithful lately (hear her wafting from his studio in the wee hours), so I
guess it's Dark Diva Days here at the casa. As for the new Lambchop, it's
just great. Turned down, yes--and lovely, kinda like going down a hill
country river on an inner-tub (inter-tub?) at dusk with Hank Williams, Barry
White, and David Lynch floating along nearby. Say, I understand that
Lambchop is selling a revised version of "Treasure Chest" at their
shows (1300 copies only) with an additional 4 songs. It goes for $10, so if
someone chances upon an extra copy please let me know and I'll pay ya back
with kindness, good will, and $15 in moola. Mitch: fpunk@yahoo.com. All
right, the countdown begins for Cover Magazine--can't wait.
- Date: Thu Mar 7 16:43
also)alked (hello toxic tony (090909):):
- In no way discrediting the demon drink, simply quoting OP8
- Date: Thu Mar 7 14:58
james s continued (but anyway,):
- I'm sure I will like "Is a Woman" very much, as I have liked
everything that Kurt's done that I've heard. I heard this one was going to
take a different turn from Nixon but I haven't paid atttention to the press
and such and didn't know which way it would turn. Sounds like it's turned
down. Well, that's good. Lambchop does "turned down" very well.
- Date: Thu Mar 7 14:01
james s (sawing lambs):
- thanks for the input on Lambchop; sounds, uh, interesting. Some sedatives
do have a good effect apart from, well, making you go to sleep. Hey Mitch,
did you ever find a Nico bio or get to see Nico Icon?
- Date: Thu Mar 7 13:37
Rob S ((getting warmer)):
- Richie, I too fell asleep during first listen to Kurts latest for all the
right reasons. Perfect album to chill you out after a grim day. James S i
think it may be Wagners finest so far. The Unspeakable Turks have a free new
Ep for those in the know who want a go. All Hail. Best Wishes from UK.
- Date: Thu Mar 7 11:44
wrong trouser glue sniffing (sorry):
- again sorry
- Date: Thu Mar 7 10:49
matt (yachi dah):
- Thanks for that Manny!
- Date: Thu Mar 7 10:10
Manny ((Stuck)):
- Matt...Howe once told the good folks attending a concert a while back that
"Stuck" indeed is about a true story. He said he got stuck with
his daughter out in the desert near Pioneertown California where he used to
live. I'm not too sure if he said he spent the whole night stuck but
somewhere along the course of time on that day... noneother than Pappy Allen
pulled up behind him in his truck to save the day. Cheers Pappy! You're
always with us!
- Date: Thu Mar 7 06:49
tHom (in the same boat as the rest of us):
- I think you misconstrue me, gluesniffer. My comment was not in any way a
criticism of your good self. I only meant to point out that there is no more
such a thing as a business type than there is any other "type".
Also, not judging a person by how much money they make should work both ways
- the same for the haves as the have nots, otherwise it's a double standard.
And no, in case you're wondering, I myself am not a rich man in material
terms.
- Date: Thu Mar 7 05:45
Richie ((lulled)):
- Lambchop....first listen I fell asleep, in a nice way, enveloped in the
music and the warmth of Kurt's voice. Subsequent listens nuances and phrases
peek out, little surprises lurk there. I like it.
- Date: Wed Mar 6 17:40
glue stuffed photographer (hang mans house):
- it is i admit all a lie, i am but a work shy welfare bum trying to be
clever. here is my handdle here is my spout adu adua du
- Date: Wed Mar 6 17:06
tom (i like erwin too):
- Bought 'Is a woman' couple of days ago, listened, smiled. Kurt Wagner at
his best, his voice and lyrics give me shiver. Played the track 'Autumn's
vicar' on the FM 106.0 tonite. The KXCI of Belgium is called Scorpio. The
programme is called De Linkeroever (The Left Bank). And I tend to like
GlueDanPhotoSniffer too.. Love to y'all.
- Date: Wed Mar 6 13:35
james s (sheepsmack):
- any of you out yonder heard the new Lambchop yet? what do you think. they
are doing a hometown show here in "music city" at a big old
theatre next weekend, which is uncommon and happiness-making. a suprise Gelb
guest spot would be too much to wish for, I am sure.
- Date: Wed Mar 6 12:15
Anne (annak178@hotmail.com):
- Mr Gelb, you and I, we have this in common: We both like erwin.
- Date: Wed Mar 6 10:56
mike (sa-wa-ro):
- Chris - as far as the dates for the Giant Sand tour go (the ones on this
site), these are the ones that have been sent to me by the Billions agency
(US Booking Agency). Though looking at their web site, I see that the Empty
Bottle one on the 7th has been swapped to the Abbey Pub. I know Carol at
Billions is out of the office until the 11th, so I won't have had an update
yet on that show. I'd check this Abbey Pub out. I'll update this site as
soon as I hear something concrete.
- Date: Wed Mar 6 09:37
sleuth (with a clue):
- Sniffer, what have you done with Dan the Photographer?
- Date: Wed Mar 6 05:58
glue sniffer (wigl pog):
- but it is easy to sleep at night. so sypathy give it up, go live on the
street work at mcdonalds but please dont whine about pressure you can still
buy fresh air. love you any way
- Date: Wed Mar 6 05:46
tHom (by the way):
- Browsing through this board after a period of absence, I discover a non
sequitur quality to the buzz that is not displeasing - an ongoing series of
comments mostly disrelated to one another, communications cast into the
void, unanswered maybe, but not unheard nor unheeded for all we know. A
casual remark from one may chnage the life of another. But enough
philosophicalising - by way instead of redressing the balance I shall pick
up on a comment by the good Gluesniffer at piggly wiggly and point out that
being a business type on 60gs is almost certainly not what you imagine it to
be.
- Date: Wed Mar 6 01:36
toxic tony (090909):
- re: the boop (no): please do not take into discredit alcoholics. thanx a
million !!
- Date: Tue Mar 5 19:58
Chris Martin (marviol@aol.com):
- Can somone fill me in on what's going on with upcoming midwest US tour
dates? The Empty Bottle in Chicago has just refunded my money for tickets to
a show that was to be on the 10th of April (not the 7th as the GS website
states), and the Magic stick still has nothing about an April 8th show on
their website. I'm desperately hoping that there will be a show I can drive
to from Grand Rapids,MI. I drove to Toronto last summer and was in nirvana
even though Howe seemed a bit despondent at the time. The GS website's dates
for Detroit and Chicago are ones I could attend, but I fear that the
information isn't particularly reliable. Sorry to complain, I just really
want to have those wonderful sounds wash over me in the flesh rather than
camping out by my computer at 3 in the morning (as awesome as the Solar
Culture webcast was)!
- Date: Tue Mar 5 19:39
the Boop (no):
- alcoholic, alcoholic, that's the word they like to call it.
- Date: Tue Mar 5 18:56
J (OOO'NOOO):
- Not again
- Date: Tue Mar 5 17:16
glue sniffer (wiggly pigs):
- dear the sand. Having failed to become the number one rock artist in the
uk and also looking at a failed photographer in the mirror., i feel it is
time once again to grace this strange messsage bored with my presents. so In
snadvile the new albums going well people giving them to quote the manic
street preachers "the respect they deserve". the Holy bilble is
fantasic. so others have tried, got a little further, and then withered, but
it does apear that at long last the giant sand escape commite, a rag tag
group of silouets and whispers have finaly got clear of the dessert.NOTE try
review writing? have just found the love songs and ramp + swerve on vinaly
any of you business types on 60gs prepared to go with out your board room
does of cocaine to make me an offer? forget it. any way to those who are
here hello, like a lost sparrow i have no idea where this is going if anyone
reads this constructive crtitsium wouldnt go a miss. job offers would be
better SKILLS- play guitar can be photographer also babysitter and vox pops
auperntranter. so again as alway i leave you to crawl back out my window i
hope that this will ruin somthing if not at least the space time
contuiutntytyt 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1... this message will not
- Date: Tue Mar 5 10:50
matt (q):
- howe, i keep listening to 'stuck' (particularly the Juxtaposition version)
and find myself wondering if you wrote it about an actual
breaking-down-in-my-car incident?
- Date: Tue Mar 5 04:47
Mitch (85719):
- Hmmmmm...good pondering, Tony. I guess we're just a few like-wise minded
human beings indulging in the same literarical stuff...kinda like the same
reason we're drawn toward Giant Sand. Ferds of a beather, I suppose.
- Date: Tue Mar 5 01:22
Stefan (StefanRoehrich@t-online.de):
- By the way, there was a mildly positive review of Cover Magazine in last
month’s issue of The Wire which has completely ignored Giant Sand for
years.
- Date: Tue Mar 5 00:54
toxic tony (subcommandante@gmx.at):
- I'm still wondering how come that there's quite a few like-wise minded
human beings indulging in the same literarical stuff such as Haruki Murakami
- completely independent from each other. Apparently I was listening to a
track from the new Giant Sand album "cover magazine" on Sunday
(radio). It was kind of a two-song-medley containing EL PASO & OUT ON
THE WEEKEND (Neil Young) - awesome stuff. I reckon in terms of musicalia
there's SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL AHEAD OF US. By the way, has anyone got any kind
of information regarding probable release of the BARBICAN SHOW ...? have a
beautiful day, tony
- Date: Mon Mar 4 16:17
james s (now it's dark):
- I miss the banter here. Hope all is well with those of you I've gotten to
know a little through this page. Thanks Howe for mentioning Wind-Up Bird
Chronicles a while back. I'm about 400 pages in and hope it never ends.
Adios.
- Date: Sat Mar 2 12:57
havanha (havanha@tiscali.nl):
- We're looking forward to having The Sand over in The Netherlands soon, are
there plans??
- Date: Fri Mar 1 10:47
mike (sa-wa-ro):
- Thanks for the link Nuno.
- Date: Thu Feb 28 00:11
Colin (my month of march):
- Giant Sand in LA. What a great way to end my month of non stop music.
- Date: Wed Feb 27 19:17
Nuno (not at joe's pub by one day... damn!):
- here's a link for a review of what sounds like a lovely recreation of THAT
magical night at the barbican, this time in NYC... please come back to
europe soon, guys! oh, almost forgot:
http://www.villagevoice.com/issues/0209/sotc.php
- Date: Wed Feb 27 16:12
cracklin' (water):
- two new Tom Waits songs, as well as Tom Verlaine and a bucketful of Fat
Possum artists on the new "Big Bad Love" soundtrack cd.
- Date: Tue Feb 26 18:44
james s (yes, indeed):
- just saw two copies of Slush at my local record shop. now there's only
one. Howe, did any of you ever hear what Neil thought of that beautiful
cover of Round and Round?
- Date: Tue Feb 26 17:47
Jason (sherrett@nothingbutnet.net):
- The OP8 album is in stores again. I don't know if it's a reissue so much
as a re-printing of the album. Thirsty Ear is still the label. Regardless,
it should be available at your finer record shops. And online stores too,
but you should really support your local shop.
- Date: Tue Feb 26 14:37
james s (re:op8):
- ok, I see it HAS been re-released. Glory be! Thanks Jason.
- Date: Tue Feb 26 14:26
mike ([sa-wa-ro]):
- Well, Amazon.com have the OP8 record advertised.... as a reissue -
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000057OB/ref=pd_ts_m/102-3713267-3773751
dated February 12th..... on offer with Calexico's 'Even My Sure Things'
- Date: Tue Feb 26 14:02
james s (op8):
- about a month ago, Jason posted that the OP8 record was being re-released
this month. Any truth to this? What's the word??
- Date: Tue Feb 26 13:31
*eM* (Re: Ny show):
- **Manny:I missed most of Evan's set--which Vic Williams song did he do??
- Date: Tue Feb 26 11:04
Manny ((looking over)):
- Yes... GS was Howe, John, and Joey. They were joined by a violinist from
Poi Dog, A trumpet player from Tucson and the two lovely french woman who
lend their voices at times to Howe and company. Howe opened with Saint
Conformity from Confluence then plyed some songs I've not heard before. John
and Joey joined him after that and they played Blue Marble Girl and some
folk jazzy wanderings before Evan Dando came out and played about four or so
songs including a cover of a Victoria Williams song. After that Vic Chesnut
sang and played along with Kurt Wagner from Lambchop for a while. at the end
Howe called John Wesley Harding up from the audience and he played a Rainer
song. (sorry, I don't know the title) Giant Sand ended the night with
Shiver, then You Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory, and a medley of
snippets including A bit of America the Beautiful. They ended the night with
a roaring version of Johnny Hit and Run Pauline. I've not seen Howe rock out
on guitar with such speed and command in many a year. It was a great show.
Like being in someones living room and getting sonic blasts from many
friends in doses from mild and quiet to loud and hard.
- Date: Tue Feb 26 09:23
job (re jennifer):
- john joey and howe as GS--vic chesnut and various others too. it was a
crowed stage. i just enjoyed seeing an old friend after a decade or two.
have to do it again; now that he's doing some shows back east.
- Date: Tue Feb 26 08:09
Blaine (@work):
- I'm w/the skeptics on the Replacements choice. Journalists come up with
these lists and marketing terms like Americana and Alt-country (even
Y'allternative) so they know what shelf to put the ketchup on, so it doesn't
get mixed up w/the Tabasco. (The musical scope of the Byrds for ex., runs
from trad mountain music to Moog synthesizers.) The 'Mats were
"alt" anything they could find, not quite as teflon-coated as
Giant Sand, but rebellious as a rule. Also have to agree that Green on Red
were doing it before it had a label. They had several peaks, and that stuff
(Gravity Talks; No Free Lunch; Snakes) still sounds good today. And any
group Chuck Prophet plays with sounds better.
- Date: Tue Feb 26 07:42
Jennifer (...):
- Could someone who went to the show(s) in NYC on Friday give a bit of a
description? Who played as Giant Sand? John, Joey? I would've been there but
was very sick. I'll be at the show in April though! Thanks!
- Date: Tue Feb 26 06:36
sam (son):
- question:what is dan stuart, of green on red fame,doing.is he still alive?
is he still writing songs and publishing music?the last thing i have heard
of him after the green on red split up was the beautiful canoworm record in
1995.i think i remember that i read years ago that he was happily married in
spain and working as a cook.or maybe i only dreamt about it.
- Date: Tue Feb 26 02:16
jörg (chapter 33):
- sounds great! thanks, mike.
- Date: Tue Feb 26 01:51
mike ([sa-wa-ro]):
- The Kris Kristofferson tribute album is/will be called - "Nothing
Left To Lose"....here's a link to the webpage :
http://www.incidentalmusic.com/store/catalog/Kristofferson_Tribute/kristofferson_tribute.html
The Grandaddy track is also on Loose 3 .... can't remember the title ....
info on that is at http://www.loosemusic.com
- Date: Tue Feb 26 01:31
jörg ((re:re:pilgrim)):
- "J",thanks for the KXCI-info, I found it & grabbed it... But
still: does anybody know anything about the Kris Kristofferson-tribute feat.
Howe or Giant Sand???Where are the specialists?(turned off by all the
chatter in this "Comments"-section?)
- Date: Mon Feb 25 16:26
james s (a coating of insects' eggs):
- well, they did tack on the label "americana" which is, i
suppose, more of a catch-all label. i always crack up when i see giant
sand/howe gelb labeled country or alt-country. sure, that's in there in the
mix, but so is about everything else. so nice to find a band (or a writer or
painter, etc)that can respectfully nod to their influences and then do
something like it's not been done before, add a really new voice to the
planet. Giant Sand cannot be labeled with anything that sticks.
- Date: Mon Feb 25 16:11
Harvieux (late for dinner):
- Replacements ALT-COUNTRY? just give A listen to "ACHIN TO BE"
- Date: Mon Feb 25 16:00
Mitch (85719):
- Agree on that on too, Manny. Just don't quite see how that Replacements
one fits the bill.
- Date: Mon Feb 25 15:54
Manny ((labels)):
- Speaking of being labeled.....How does one label The Replacements alt
country? All shook down is a good record...but alt country?...I guess I'll
give it a new listen with my country ears on.
- Date: Mon Feb 25 12:39
james s (Re:):
- the record that made me first give a damn about "alt country",
as such, was steve earle's "train a'coming" (as well as lucinda
william's "sweet old world, which i heard at about the same time).
Well, on second thought, I was listening to Jason & the Scorchers and
the Gun Club and Green on Red back in the early eighties, but they didn't
use that label back then. I don't feel much "alt" in "guitar
town" and my only problem with some of the stuff on the list is that,
good records though they are, I don't see how they get the "alt
country" label.
- Date: Mon Feb 25 12:19
Mitch (85719):
- I agree, James, there's a lot that Uncut missed (like The Salesman &
Bernedette by Vic Chestnutt), and some I don't think should be there. For
example, Guitar Town is a good record, but I think Earle's I Feel Alright is
much finer work (just my opinion). And, where was Blacky???????????????? I
could ramble on about this...but I won't. Overall though, it's a good
overview list.
- Date: Mon Feb 25 10:07
Manny (EJCACC@aol.com):
- Hello back to you Em, Nice to have met you. Manny
- Date: Mon Feb 25 09:27
james s (RE:uncut):
- pretty nice list; I would aggree with many but not with all. I was happy
to see the nice spread on Lambchop in the same mag.
- Date: Mon Feb 25 02:52
Mitch (85719):
- From Uncut magazine's February issue... 20 Essential Alt.country/Americana
Albums [plus Runner-up Choices (RC)] * Sweetheart Of The Rodeo, The Byrds
(RC) The Fantastic Expedition of Dillard & Clark Nashville Skyline, Bob
Dylan * The Gilded Palace Of Sin, The Flying Burrito Brothers (RC) Manassas
Will The Circle Be Unbroken, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Dand * Workingman's Dead,
Grateful Dead (RC) American Beauty, Grateful Dead New Riders Of The Purple
Sage * GP/Grievous Angel, Gram Parsons (RC) The Return Of The Grievous
Angel, A Tribute To Gram Parsons * Elite Hotel, Emmylou Harris (RC) Wrecking
Ball, Emmylou Harris * Guitar Town, Steve Earle (RC) The Late Great Townes
Van Zandt The Mountain, Steve Earle & The Del McCoury Band * The Trinity
Session, Cowboy Junkies (RC) Feels Like The Third Time, Freakwater * All
Shook Down, The Replacements (RC) Tonight's The Night, Neil Young Here Come
The Snakes, Green On Red * Anodyne, Uncle Tupelo (RC) Being There, Wilco
Trace, Son Volt * Revival, Gillian Welch (RC) O Brother, Where Art Thou?
soundtrack * Massachusetts, Scud Mountain Boys (RC) Overcome By Happiness,
The Pernice Brothers * Strangers Almanac, Whiskeytown (RC) Hollywood Town
Hall, The Jayhawks * Wrong-Eyed Jesus, Jim White (RC)
Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot, Sparklehorse * Car Wheels On A Gravel
Road, Lucinda Williams (RC) Buddy & Julie Miller * The Black Light,
Calexico (RC) Selections Circa 1990-2000, Giant Sand * I Am Shelby Lynne,
Shelby Lynne (RC) The Hardest Part, Allison Moorer Furnace Room Lullaby,
Neko Case & Her Boyfriends * I See A Darkness, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy
(RC) There Is No-One What Will Take Care Of You, The Palace Brothers *
Nixon, Lambchop (RC) Blue Notes, Paul Burch & The WPA Ballclub *
Heartbreaker, Ryan Adams (RC) Gold, Ryan Adams * Twilight, The Handsome
Family (RC) Everything's Fine, Willard Grant
- Date: Sun Feb 24 15:21
J (re:pilgrim):
- Hi Jorg, you can download a show from tucson community radio, find it on
the links page. Thanks to P.Kerr for sending me a disc of it, all due to
this very board. What a truly splendid event. Pilgrim live in the studio
w/walkman Kris, Inspirational.
- Date: Sat Feb 23 15:01
Job (Hatchy Milatchy Land):
- Went to the big town to see an old friend. given my not too mild aversion
of big towns that's saying much. kinda looked at the whole thing like a
roller coaster ride (or as we say here rolly coaster); keep your arms and
legs inside the car at all times and whatever you do don't stand up until
the car's come to a complete stop. all that aside. it was worth it, even if
a chord wasn't played it would've been worth the trip. just to see an old
friend smilin. Good to see ya Howe. Good to hear you. and friends.
- Date: Sat Feb 23 14:36
phil (pz123@aol.com):
- Re: Manassas. Highly recommended. Probably Stills' finest hour. Diverse
collection with plenty of support from great players like Chris Hillman
& Al Perkins. There are alot of countryish things on the album as well
as blues & some CS&N sounding things. I just got a remastered
version of the album last month & it sounds great. Also saw CSN&Y
last week. Had no intent of going, but I got turned onto a promo seat &
am extremely glad I went. These guys were certainly not just going thru the
motions. The night was full of Stills/Young guitar duels. Neil was doing
these trippy Like a Hurricane-esque solos & you could tell it was
energizing Stills who played a mean guitar thru-out the nite as well. The
show was about 3.5 hours long & was exceptional. Their backing band was
Booker T & the MGs(!) so the musicianship thru-out was very high.
- Date: Sat Feb 23 12:39
Rob S (( Still freezing round here)):
- J, hope you enjoyed the CDs pleasure to do them for you. Hope all and
saundry are well in Sandland. Has anybody heard Stephen Stills's Manassass.
Just read the Uncut piece on CSNY and have never heard that one. Is it worth
the pennies and pounds? Hope u all have a coool Saturday night. Ive got a
lovely Merlot. Adios.
- Date: Sat Feb 23 07:40
jörg (banjo67@web.de):
- Speaking of cover-versions: check out the new release by the "Mardi
Gras.bb" featuring a nice & funny cover-version of "Sucker In
A Cage"!(In Germany also available on the CD that comes with Rolling
Stone magazine issue 03/02) And Howe: did you like the "Veranda
Music"-record w/ the cover-versions I gave you in Hamburg??
- Date: Sat Feb 23 07:32
jörg (banjo67@web.de):
- I just read that the Japanese version of "Cover Magazine" will
feature "The Pilgrim" as a bonus track, which also appears on a
Kris Kristofferson-Tribute! Having heard the great live-version of that song
on Howe`s European Tour I got to have that one! But I can`t get any info
about it. Does anyone know anything about it?Is it not yet released? Or some
ultra-obscure item?
- Date: Sat Feb 23 00:49
jpr (let the rumours begin):
- the birds a-whispering in the trees: giant sand in germany? end of april,
maybe?
- Date: Fri Feb 22 19:15
*emm (oh and ):
- Hi to Manny:)
- Date: Fri Feb 22 19:09
e (M!(as in wow!)):
- *wow! weird beard, good show and everything in-between..
- Date: Fri Feb 22 18:08
HARVIEUX (yet, the frozen tundra):
- Thanks spoink and crank I got my pkg monday.And ill have you all know I
ordered some albums and tshirt from OWOM and ill be damned if they didnt
charge my visa correctly and send me the GOODS all within 1 weeks time.Now
thats service with A capitol OW .......Thanks A lot OWOM..... any doubters
out there shall cast said doubts in the pond............
- Date: Fri Feb 22 16:08
Mitch (85719):
- Well, the whole "heelie-bop-a-wheelie" has no real meaning that
I know of (would welcome someone's attempt at a definition)--was just trying
to give am(ie) a sense of the crowd that filters into The Tap Room after
dusk. In the day though, the place is perfect--regulars filter in and out,
an old cowboy-ish guy is often at the bar, the jukebox is usually
fantastic--by 10 at night it's a younger, louder crowd--and the jukebox
music is usually lost to the throb of techno coming from the adjacent dance
zone. It's all good though.
- Date: Fri Feb 22 13:14
J (heelie-bopa-weelie@complete-unknown-scrollingbone.what):
- As far as I know you make what you will of stuff like the bop-a-wheelie
thing. I've never been to Tucson and have no idea what it may mean there,
but I do get the gist and laugh when I see my local version (as I see it) BD
what sort of bite are you looking for? A bird bite? yours scrolling alone
w/no direction home and renouncing the demon weed J. PS Thanks again to
www.theunspeakableturks.com
- Date: Fri Feb 22 10:12
john (re weirdness, weirdless):
- Alan - be confused, be hopeful, be weirdless no more, check your e-mail.
- Date: Fri Feb 22 09:05
geoff (swerve):
- You know Shaun, he did act, though you only hear him, since it's animated,
in my film "Trip To Roswell". The film wont be finished for a
while, but it also has Victoria Williams and Richard Buckner acting in it.
And I've got a picture Jim Jarmusch took of me at a gun show. So that's
related, though not so close to your vision.
- Date: Fri Feb 22 07:57
Tommy Gailer (scrollerboy):
- For all germans/austrians/switzerlandos: in the newest Musikexpress issue,
you can find a nice review of Howe`s act in Munich - Orangehouse. For quick
search: it`s page 82.
- Date: Fri Feb 22 03:12
Shaun h. (vacillatingwildlyinNW6):
- okay, here's my attempt to try and stoke up this here cyber-bar-b-q.
howe's mentioned in interviews, maybe half-jokingly, about turning his hand
to a spot of acting, and given the great Mr. Waits as an obvious example, i
think there's no doubt he would make for a splendid screen prescence. so
here's my executive producer pitch which i've been sitting on for a while -
Jim Jarmusch directing Howe, starring in an adaptation of John steinbeck's
'travels with charley' (involving gratuitous canine sex scene w/ a sweet
little pupp called Lambchop). [alternative option, w/ a tip of the hat to
Mark @ Loose on this one, would be the Beyond Nashville crew re-grouping as
Mack & the boys for Sweet Thursday/Cannery Row]. anyone else???
- Date: Thu Feb 21 14:07
Alan (alan.rudy@ssc.msu.edu):
- Hi y'all: Would anyone have an idea of how one might come upon a copy of
the first Sandman series, "Acres of Weird"? Happily confused, yet
hopeful, Alan
- Date: Thu Feb 21 13:47
james s (Re:):
- Mr Gailer, I feel your angst. Em, I feel your joy. BD, I feel your bite.
Mitch, you've come in and dropped the "heelie-bop-a-weelie"
leaving us in a cloud of mystery. I know it will make you all VERY SAD, but
I must leave you for several days. In order to add a little bite to the
site, I will leave you with an image of a pretty spotted pony galloping
through a field of daisies. Adios.
- Date: Thu Feb 21 09:01
BD ((=)):
- Still waiting for the bite to happen with this comments site that seems to
have gotten real wussy and flakey. Hope the new disk has a bit of doberman
bite as well. Don't want to get to laid back or the money boys will rip our
hearts out and suck the body juices dry.
- Date: Thu Feb 21 08:42
em* (another yay):
- yay! :) (for tomarrow night, of course!)
- Date: Thu Feb 21 05:20
tHom (getting warmer):
- OK, I give up - what's a heelie-bop-a-weelie?
- Date: Wed Feb 20 23:06
Tommy Gailer (sick-of-scrolling):
- James, you can`t feel much of my joy to scroll, `cause even i can`t feel
much joy about it...but the comment site is that way, so i have to. Isn`t
scroll also an english expression for the old historical way to read from a
rolled paper? Well anyway, have a successfull rest of the week...
- Date: Wed Feb 20 10:51
james s (Re:):
- You are cracking me up, Mr Gailer, with your variations of the theme of
scroll. I feel your joy, Trey.
- Date: Wed Feb 20 09:31
Tommy Gailer (scrollingstone):
- Nice and tasty advertisment from EFA/Thrill Jockey for "Cover
Magzin" in the new german Rolling Stone (Page 103, for those who won`t
buy it...). It shows a red shadow of Howe (?) playin Golf and swingin`the
racket.It says: streetdate March 15th.
- Date: Wed Feb 20 09:29
trey from oz ((serendipity flows)):
- I've been a GSophile for a long time, yet never seen GS in concert.
Imagine my glee to see the new concert schedule. In '99, we missed GS in
Tucson by one day. In '00, we'd tickets to fly to Chicago for New Year's
show. Had to cancel. Hell, my mother has seen them 2 or 3 times in Eugene.
We've seen Calexico, but it's not the same. But alas, my sweetie and I will
be in San Diego to present at a conference on Thursday 3-28. Friday is our
night on the town. We get to see GS. Just wanted to share my whelmness with
fellow sandies.
- Date: Wed Feb 20 08:54
Penelope (Planet I):
- If you believe in reincarnation, say like the Native Americans where you
are expected back every 7th generation, and it takes 100 lifetimes to evolve
into an overman (100 monkeys) that means it may take us 20,000
years....right?
- Date: Wed Feb 20 08:49
james (test, test??):
- thrill a minute in here lately.
- Date: Mon Feb 18 19:27
Job (same as ever):
- Hey Howe if yer reading the board.See ya at Joe's Friday night; if I can
find my way outta the wilderness.
- Date: Mon Feb 18 15:53
J (heeli-bop-a-weelie crowd ):
- Good call.
- Date: Mon Feb 18 13:15
Mitch (85719):
- am(ie)...okay, record stores: there's PDQ on Grant, which has great used
vinyl and is pretty fun to walk around in, and there's Zia Records on
Speedway. Hears Music on Campbell is good too. Beer joints: away from
downtown but quite near PDQ is The Shelter on Grant, great atmosphere--very
1962; downtown you can get a good meal and, well, beer at The Grill. Might
want to try Chez Lounge on 4th, or Hotel Congress' Tap Room (if it's in the
afternoon, and before the heeli-bop-a-weelie crowd takes over).
- Date: Mon Feb 18 12:48
4 (got):
- record stores too...would be good. so I can go spend gas money on music
cuz I've got my priorities all sorted out like that. Music, love and fumes
can get you where you need to go right?
- Date: Mon Feb 18 12:38
am (ie):
- leaving the kinda sticky grip of Phoenix and moving far, far away next
week...but not before a long awaited pilgrimage to Tuscon. Was hoping some
local sandies might be able to give a girl some tips...travel tips...tuscon
tips. What's the name of that one joint where the acoustic sessions have
been known to happen-the local radio show hosts them I think. Anyway, my
friend and I are willing a little pickup down yer way and a good beer in a
friendly spot upon arrival would be awful nice. Insert suggestions
here...thanks a million!
- Date: Mon Feb 18 09:37
spell check (!):
- that would be JACQUES Derrida, and that would be NIETZSCHE.
- Date: Mon Feb 18 09:21
Jacquees Derrida (Spurs Nietzshe's Styles):
- She is woman precisely because she herslf does not believe in what she is,
in what she is believed to be, in what she thus is not.
- Date: Sun Feb 17 16:06
J ($170?@amazed.dot):
- That sounds like a spoiler,shoorlyy shome mishtake. Thanks Rob.S, CD's V
Good.
- Date: Sun Feb 17 12:57
doe ski esk key (pair a dime):
- She's not what she used to be, she'd used to what she's not to be, she's
simply what she wants to be.
- Date: Sun Feb 17 09:43
Tom (tom.alban@eudoramail.com):
- This is probably old news, but my daughter got 'Crime and Punishment in
Suburbia' (it's not Dostoyevsky, but it's watchable) out of the video store
last night and what turned up on the soundtrack but Lisa Germano and Howe
(OP8's) gender-bending version of 'Sand' .
- Date: Sat Feb 16 12:10
Tom (not the other one) (tom.alban@eudoramail.com):
- Cat Power : you'd have to dig her for the name even if her music wasn't so
good. Anyone here heard La Linea/Border by Lila Downs? She's a part Mexican
Indian, part US singer with a seriously powerful voice. It's mostly in
Spanish (nice clear Mexican Spanish, not that Castilian stuff - but there
are translations anyway) with lyrics that are strong on globalisation and
migration issues. It's not as musically inventive as some of the other stuff
I listen to but it's rich and varied. Worth checking out.
- Date: Sat Feb 16 12:09
james s (Re: quick return to the biography thread):
- "Hellfire", about Jerry Lee Lewis, by Nick Tosches, is worth a
look. I really enjoyed it, at any rate.
- Date: Sat Feb 16 04:20
fran-sis (scallana@yahoo.com):
- Hellloooo!@ When will we be playing Indonesia? We are waiting. Thank you.
- Date: Sat Feb 16 01:48
Richard Graham (gramon4@hotmail.com):
- HELP NEEDED QUICK I don't want to put anyone off supporting Howe and his
musical outpourings but I feel that someone in the OW OM store has some work
to do on their Maths, particularly in regard to place value. I will explain.
I was quite happy to pay $17 for Unsung Glum to be sent to London... what a
shock when I saw that I had been charged $170.00 (123 English pounds). There
is a big difference in those amounts. As a maths teacher I appreciate it is
an easy mistake... but I hope it is rectified soon as till then as it has
left me seriosly strapped for cash.
- Date: Fri Feb 15 14:12
bernd (not moved):
- palace brothers is a good one..and the dirty three must be experienced
live.!
- Date: Fri Feb 15 13:55
bernd (berndschaeperkoetter@web.de):
- Well i saw the show in munster/germany. though there was no piano
(unexpected by the artist) ...there was one but it sounded like
ahhhhhhhhh......better do not use - howe did a great gig at this place
called odeon. in the beginning a sort of shy apearance, some irritation in
the songs that later turned into a sage advice i hope to get on tape some
day. Thanks to howe for this evening. On the last tour i asked for more
piano and - listening to Lull- well not many comments on this work- i feel
sad that i had no chance to get to hamburg on sunday. like this cd a lot and
still love the available live shows w/piano/guitar/drum work.
- Date: Fri Feb 15 13:21
james s (spends his days gambling):
- amazon in the U.S. has the release date for Cover Mag as March 19th.
- Date: Fri Feb 15 12:26
**happy (yesterday!):
- love, em
- Date: Fri Feb 15 11:15
mike (sa-wa-ro):
- tHom - The Uncut review was under the name 'retirement'.... which is on
the cover, but not the title..... and it's not on Loose, but Thrill
Jockey.... and it wasn't that good a review.... but that's Uncut for you.
- Date: Fri Feb 15 09:19
bean (sure brook turf):
- The boss just took off in his ceasna and I'm left here all by my lonesome
with short wave radio, computer, fax, xerox, all kinds of machines and a
doberman. "Novicaine" was pretty interesting last night, it had
some plot flaws but Lorna Doone sure kicked butt...Steve Martin was
excellant but the Police were portayed poorly, nothin new...a good ending
altogether but not such a great flick to see on Valentines Day. I hope you
all thought about your Mother.
- Date: Fri Feb 15 08:17
BD (books):
- For all you fans of GS, Tucson a must read is anything by Charles Bowden.
Jumping off point should be Blood Orchid or Deserieto(?), I just picked up
his new book of essays, "Blues for Cannibals" and it is knocking
my socks of right now. And for something totally different and in relation
to the cranky Sartre how about Simone de Boeauvoir book's "A
Transatlantic Love Affair: Letters to Nelson Algren". Anything by
Nelson Algren is a great read.
- Date: Fri Feb 15 08:06
Blaine (@work):
- Rob S -- As a fan of all you mention: Dion (his kinda recent King of the
New York Streets was pretty cool); Mr. Spector needs no introduction, and
the Spaceman 3/Spirtiualized axis have been favorites in my house for some
years now,... So I'm real intrigued by yr description and will look for the
alb. Thanks
- Date: Fri Feb 15 05:43
BOB (@SANDIEGO):
- SANDMEN!YOU SHOULD L-I-S-T-E-N TO THE COURT AND SPARK.A BLINKING STAR IN
THE SANDY UNIVERSE!!!
- Date: Fri Feb 15 00:14
Rob S (()):
- Mitch, thanks for the pointers on ol Gene Clark will seek him out today.
Blaine interesting you should mention Jandek. Have got a compilation called
Songs In The Key Of Z that i bought primarily cause it had a Daniel Johnston
track on it but found the whole comp amazing. Jandek has a track on there
also. Mangaged to track down the accompanying book also which is a cracking
read concerning the world of 'outsider' music. Has the Dion description
caught your attn because youve heard it and dont agree or cause its such a
strange combination? Has anyone seen uncut this month. Nice piece on CSNY.
Bye.
- Date: Fri Feb 15 00:13
tHom (uncovered):
- The new gs covers record was reviewed in this month's Uncut mag under a
name which escapes me right now but I don't think it was the title that has
been mentioned on this site (maybe it's different for the European release).
It's on Loose records and I'm assuming it must be out sometime this month
otherwise they wouldn't review it (would they? - I have faith). On another
topic, I don't know from e